By Moses Joshua 
A Week 18 tackle brings league discipline, but Detroit walks away largely unscathed as Chicago turns its eyes toward the postseason.
The NFL has delivered its long-awaited verdict on a moment that sparked plenty of chatter around the NFC North: Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell has been fined for his hit on Chicago Bears rookie Kyle Monangai in the regular-season finale.
While the incident briefly overshadowed an otherwise gritty divisional matchup, the league’s ruling ensures it won’t linger long into the offseason.
League Slaps Fine on Campbell After Week 18 Flag
According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability report, Campbell was issued a $17,389 fine for what the league classified as a hip-drop tackle on Monangai in the first quarter of Detroit’s 19–16 win over Chicago.
The play was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness, and after review, the NFL determined it crossed the line under its updated tackling standards. Notably, this was the only fine levied against either team from that game — one of just 21 fines league-wide in the final week of the season.
For Detroit, it’s a small but clear message: the league remains serious about stamping out techniques that put runners’ legs at risk.
No Suspension, No Escalation — Lions Breathe Easy
The fine ends what could have become a much larger headache for Detroit. Campbell avoids suspension, and the Lions don’t face any organizational discipline.
In a season full of high-stakes football and emotional moments, the league’s decision closes the book on the Monangai incident — a financial slap on the wrist rather than a mark on Campbell’s reputation or the Lions’ defensive identity.
Bears Shift Focus to Playoffs Despite Bitter Ending
Chicago may not have loved how the season ended, but the Bears aren’t dwelling on the fine or the loss.
“This was the vision from the beginning – to have some home playoff games at Soldier Field,” head coach Ben Johnson said earlier this week. “I was really excited about that opportunity and to see that come to light this year, it’s a big credit to the guys. The fact that you win the division, you have home playoff games, that’s huge. That’s why we do what we do. Now we’ve earned this opportunity and we’ve got to make the most out of it.”
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams echoed that confidence, embracing the spotlight rather than shrinking from it.
“I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked. I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do.”
Chicago Leans on the Trenches in Frigid Showdown
The Bears’ path forward is clear: ride a dominant offensive line and a punishing ground game.
With left guard Joe Thuney earning first-team AP All-Pro honors and right tackle Darnell Wright landing on the second team, Chicago enters the Wild Card round boasting one of the league’s most respected fronts. That unit powered the Bears to a third-place finish in team rushing, averaging 144.5 yards per game.
With wind gusts projected at 20–30 mph and temperatures hovering around freezing for their matchup against Green Bay, expect Chicago to lean heavily on Monangai and D’Andre Swift to control the game on the ground.
For Detroit, the fine is a footnote in a long season. For Chicago, it’s already ancient history. The playoffs are here — and neither team is letting a Week 18 tackle define what comes next.