Sunday, January 4, 2026, marks the final game of the NFL regular season for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, with the Bears holding a chance to secure the NFC’s second seed. For Chicago, the stakes are high; for Detroit, the season is already over.
The Lions (9–7) are eliminated from playoff contention, but this matchup is still critical for draft positioning, evaluating young talent, and setting the tone for the 2026 offseason. On the other hand, the Bears (12–4) must avoid complacency. A win guarantees a favorable playoff seed, but history shows eliminated teams often play spoiler — and Detroit is capable of surprising teams that underestimate them.
Key Factors to Watch:
Chicago’s urgency: Quarterback play and avoiding turnovers will be crucial as the Bears try to lock in a high playoff seed.
Detroit’s motivation: While the Lions can’t make the playoffs, players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown will want to showcase their talent for next season.
Coaching strategies: Will Dan Campbell go “all-in” to end the season on a positive note, or focus on evaluating depth for 2026?
Injury reports: The Lions have several key players still recovering from late-season injuries. Monitoring their status will influence predictions.
Our prediction? Expect a disciplined Bears team to win, but don’t count out a scrappy Lions squad looking to play spoiler. It could be a competitive matchup, but the Bears’ playoff stakes give them the edge in experience, depth, and motivation.
Bears vs. Lions Preview: Can Chicago Stay Sharp Against Spoiler Detroit?
