By Sunday 
There’s no postseason ticket waiting at the end of the road for the Detroit Lions, but that doesn’t mean Week 18 is meaningless. Sunday, January 4, brings one final stop on the schedule—a road matchup in Chicago against a familiar foe. And if anyone thought Detroit might quietly coast into the offseason, head coach Dan Campbell shut that idea down quickly. This one, he insists, is about unfinished business.
A Season That Slipped Away
The Lions’ playoff hopes officially ended on Christmas Day with a 23–10 loss at home to the Minnesota Vikings. It was the kind of defeat that summed up much of Detroit’s season—effort was there, but mistakes proved costly. “Losing is very disappointing. Losing. I hate losing,” Campbell said afterward. “We’re just a little off here. And it’s costing us significantly.” Too many turnovers, not enough answers, and suddenly the season’s final week became about reflection instead of celebration.
No Tanking, No Excuses
Despite being out of the playoff race, Campbell made one thing crystal clear: the Lions are not mailing this one in. Speaking ahead of the Chicago trip, he said, “You can always find a lot out with one to go… I expect the guys that we have here to give it what they’ve got one more time.” For Campbell, this finale isn’t about draft position—it’s about evaluating who shows up when the stakes are pride and professionalism.
Chicago Has Everything to Play For
While Detroit is searching for answers, the Chicago Bears are chasing something tangible. With an 11–5 record, Chicago can still secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win, setting up a Wild Card matchup at home. That reality gives this game real bite, even if it’s one-sided in terms of postseason impact. The NFL clearly agrees, slotting the matchup for a 4:25 p.m. kickoff on Fox.
One Last Statement
Injuries are piling up, and Campbell admitted the roster is “pretty riddled right now.” Still, his stance hasn’t changed: “If they can play, we’re playing.” This final game isn’t about salvaging the season—it’s about setting a tone. About showing that even when things fall apart, the standard doesn’t. For the Lions, unfinished business isn’t measured on the scoreboard alone—it’s measured in effort, accountability, and how they walk off the field one last time in 2025.