By Sunday 
A season that never quite found its footing
The 2025 season was supposed to be a victory lap of sorts for Detroit. After surviving a nightmare injury run in 2024 and still finishing as the top seed in the NFC, the expectation was simple: get healthier, get better, and take another step forward. On paper, it made sense.
Reality, however, had other plans. Injuries crept back into the picture, new additions failed to fully deliver, and consistency became hard to find. Fast-forward to Week 18, and Detroit is sitting at 8–8, officially out of the playoff race and staring at a finale that feels strange, complicated, and oddly meaningful.
Playing spoiler is still a role
This is where things get interesting. While Detroit is wrapping up a disappointing season, Chicago is doing the opposite. The Bears are coming in hot, eyeing the No. 2 seed, and fully locked into postseason mode. This game matters to them—deeply.
That dynamic alone changes the tone of the matchup. Detroit isn’t playing for playoff survival, but they are playing with the power to disrupt someone else’s plans. And after losing to the Lions earlier in the season, Chicago won’t be short on motivation.
Decisions, decisions in Detroit
One of the biggest storylines heading into kickoff is who actually takes the field. With no postseason at stake, does Detroit rest key contributors? Or do they let the core play one last meaningful snap together?
A winning record is still on the table, and for a locker room that entered the season with championship expectations, that matters more than it might seem. This game becomes part evaluation, part pride check, and part message to the league about where this team truly stands heading into the offseason.
A finale with real edge
Week 18 games can be weird, but this one has bite. Chicago has something concrete to gain. Detroit has something emotional to protect. That clash often produces unpredictable football.
As the Pride of Detroit staff predictions roll in, one thing is clear: even without playoff implications for both sides, this matchup carries tension. The Bears may be chasing seeding, but the Lions have the chance to remind everyone that even in a lost season, they’re not going quietly.