Photo: Matt Marton ~ Imagn Images
CHICAGO ~ The Detroit Lions closed out their season with a hard-fought 19–16 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field. Though the Lions entered the game without playoff implications, they came out determined, jumping to a 13–0 lead through two quarters before weathering a furious Bears comeback. In the end, a late 42-yard field goal from kicker Jake Bates sealed the victory.
Detroit set the tone early with efficient drives. They kicked a 34-yard field goal on their opening possession, followed by another from 30 yards in the second quarter. Quarterback Jared Goff then connected with running back Jahmyr Gibbs for a 15-yard touchdown, putting the Lions up 13–0 at halftime. Detroit’s offense piled up 453 total yards, led by Goff’s 27-of-42 performance for 331 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Gibbs chipped in with 80 rushing yards.
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Jan. 5, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds spoke with Lomas Brown about the Lions’ off-season plans, including coaching changes, player acquisitions, and draft strategies.
Jan. 4, 2026 ~ Detroit Lions’ Head Coach Dan Campbell speaks to the media after 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears.
(CONTINUED) Chicago stormed back in the fourth quarter behind second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams hit wide receiver Jahdae Walker for a 25-yard touchdown, then connected on a two-point conversion to running back Kyle Monangai. Later, he drove the Bears 88 yards, finishing with a touchdown to tight end Colston Loveland and another two-point conversion—this time to tight end Cole Kmet, to tie the game at 16–16. Williams ended with 20-of-33 passing for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Loveland led the Bears receiving corps with 91 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches.
Detroit showed resilience late. After Chicago tied the game at 16–16, the Bears’ final drive stalled and ended in a punt, giving the Lions one last chance with just under two minutes remaining. Goff calmly moved the offense into field-goal range, and Bates drilled a 42-yard attempt to put Detroit ahead 19–16 as time expired to seal the road victory against division rivals.
