Chicago enters this Week 18 matchup riding a successful 11-5 campaign and already clinched the NFC North, but still has a lot to play for — including securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a win or favorable results elsewhere. Detroit — at 8-8 — is out of playoff contention and focused on ending the season on a high note while evaluating depth and building momentum for 2026. With Chicago laying 3.5 points as a home favorite and the total sitting at 50.5, what’s the best bet in today’s Lions vs. Bears matchup?
Lions vs. Bears Game Day Information
- 📅 Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- ⏰ Kickoff: 3:25 p.m. ET
- 📍 Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- 📺 TV: FOX
Opening line: Lions -1.5/Bears +1.5
Season Context & Stakes
The Bears have exceeded expectations in 2025 under coach Ben Johnson, emerging as a top NFC team and locking up the division crown. A Week 18 win almost certainly cements a top-two seed, crucial for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
The Lions — inconsistent late in the season and currently on a four-game skid — are shifting focus toward offseason development and roster evaluation, with limited incentive beyond pride and draft positioning.
Key Player Notes
Detroit Lions
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QB Jared Goff has led a productive Lions offense this season, racking up over 4,200 passing yards and 33 TDs, pacing one of the more dynamic scoring attacks in the league.
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WR Amon-Ra St. Brown tops Detroit’s receiving corps with 1,262 yards and 11 TDs, consistently Goff’s go-to playmaker.
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RB Jahmyr Gibbs has been a dual threat, surpassing 1,100 rushing yards and adding explosive plays in the backfield.
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Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson leads with 14 sacks, and Jack Campbell is a tackling machine with 156 stops, but the unit has struggled at times in the second half of the season.
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Detroit has dealt with some offensive line injuries late in the year, including placing center Trystan Colon on IR, shifting Graham Glasgow into the starting role to anchor a unit that’s had to adapt.
Chicago Bears
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QB Caleb Williams — in just his second NFL season — has thrown 3,730+ yards with 25 TDs and 6 INTs while adding over 380 rushing yards and 3 TDs, showcasing dual-threat growth. He’s also closing in on franchise passing milestones.
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WR DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland give Chicago a multifaceted passing attack, each with 44-49 receptions and 600+ yards on the season.
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The Bears rank among the NFL’s best in rushing attack, featuring two 750+ yard rushers in D’Andre Swift (1,047) and Kyle Monangai (769).
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Chicago’s offense is built on a strong offensive line led by Pro Bowlers Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman.
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WR Luther Burden III and LB Noah Sewell are dealing with injuries — Burden’s quad issue and Sewell’s Achilles concern — which could limit their availability and impact.
Public Betting Tickets
Numbers update frequently — check the latest on the NFL public betting chart and learn usage basics in our public betting guide.
Offensive & Defensive Matchups
Lions offense vs. Bears defense: Detroit’s aerial attack (third in the NFL in points per game) tries to stretch a Bears defense that can be opportunistic but has allowed production downfield. Goff will look to St. Brown early and often to spark rhythm.
Bears offense vs. Lions defense: Chicago’s balanced offense — with Williams, a strong ground game, and multiple receiving options — tests Detroit’s defense that has been middling against the run and pass alike. The Bears will aim to control tempo with Swift and exploit mismatches through the air.
Recent Series & Trends
Detroit dominated the first meeting this season, winning 52-21 behind electric play from Goff and the offense. However, the Bears have risen significantly since that early loss, tightening their lineup and improving efficiency — especially in NFC play.
Betting trends favor Chicago at home, where they’ve been strong ATS and SU, while Detroit has struggled down the stretch.
Lions vs. Bears Prediction
Chicago enters this matchup with more to play for and consistent momentum, while Detroit’s season has slipped away with key losses and stalled offensive production. The Bears’ balanced attack and home-field advantage give them the edge late — though the Lions’ offense can keep things competitive.
Final Score Projection:
Bears 27 — Lions 20
Expect a high-tempo divisional battle where Chicago’s offensive balance and defensive opportunism help them pull away late, but Detroit stays close with big plays from its dynamic passing game.
The Pick: Chicago Bears -3.5
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