The NFL has officially confirmed a schedule change for the Detroit Lions’ Week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, giving fans a new date and kickoff window to plan around.
The season finale between Detroit and Chicago has been shifted into a different broadcast slot as part of the league’s final-week scheduling adjustments. These late changes are common in Week 18, allowing the NFL to prioritize games with added intrigue, rivalry appeal, or broader national interest.
While playoff implications may no longer be on the line for Detroit, the matchup remains significant. The Lions and Bears rivalry carries weight regardless of standings, and the league clearly sees value in giving the game a more prominent stage. For Chicago, positioning and momentum heading into the postseason made the contest even more attractive from a scheduling standpoint.
The updated kickoff time places the game firmly in a national viewing window, ensuring a larger audience for the NFC North clash at Soldier Field. Fans attending in person or watching from home are encouraged to double-check the revised schedule to avoid missing kickoff.
With the regular season coming to a close, the rescheduled Lions–Bears game now serves as Detroit’s final opportunity to finish the year strong, spoil Chicago’s plans, and close the season with pride under the bright lights.
Schedule Shakeup: Lions–Bears Rescheduled for National Spotlight at Soldier Field
