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The Chicago Bears wrapped the 2025 regular season with a 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Luckily, they got some help from the Washington Commanders, who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, to get the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Back in Week 2, the Lions earned a 30+ point victory over the Bears, so Ben Johnson came into this game wanting to beat his old team to cap off what has been a great season for his team. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
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The Bears found themselves down 16-0 entering the fourth quarter. The defense had that bend-don’t-break mentality once again, which kept the offense within striking distance. In the fourth quarter, quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense started to move the ball much better. This has happened a few times before this season, but there is no doubt that they are never out of a game.
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Bears scored two touchdowns in the final quarter, and converted a two-point conversion on each, to tie the game. All of the momentum was in their favor at that point. In the end, the Bears allowed the Lions to drive down the field with under two minutes remaining to kick a game-winning field goal. Chicago simply ran out of time, which has happened a couple times this season.
Williams completed 20-of-33 passes for 212 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He came up just short of being the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history, but he did set the Bears' franchise single-season passing yards record, surprising Erik Kramer back in 1995.
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Tight end Colston Loveland was the leading receiver with 10 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets. Outside of Loveland, the ball was spread around. You’d think there is a different-looking game plan revealed once the playoff game begins.
Bears QB Caleb Williams breaks the franchise's single-season passing record.
Before the Lions went down the field for that game-winning field goal, the Bears gave themselves a chance on offense thanks to a Kevin Byard interception. Unfortunately, Chicago didn't take advantage of it on offense, but they ended the season with another turnover, which has been so helpful for them in 2025.
It was not a perfect showing for the Bears, but they once again showed that they can keep up with any team, even when they are in a tight game with not much at stake. This time, like last week in Santa Clara, it didn’t go their way in the end.
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Johnson had a sensational first year as head coach, but his first career win against his old team will have to wait. The Lions, to their credit, found a way to beat the Bears twice this season. They won’t be going to the postseason, but they can go into the offseason knowing they are still close.
The Bears lost their chance of securing the No. 2 seed on their own, but the Eagles did it for them with a loss to the Commanders. At 11-6, Chicago will host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round next weekend.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Lions: Instant analysis from Chicago’s Week 18 loss
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