Season Recap and Head-to-Head History
The Bears have dominated the NFC North in 2025 with an 11-4 record, clinching the division and positioning as a top seed contender. Their defense shines, allowing just 22.8 opponent points per game (#16 overall vs. Detroit), while forcing turnovers at a league-best rate (TO margin +1.5/game, #1).
Detroit sits at 8-8, scoring prolifically (462 total points, high in division) but hampered by defensive woes (397 points allowed). Their Week 2 blowout win over Chicago (52-21 on Sep 14) saw QB Jared Goff throw 5 TDs, including 3 to Amon-Ra St. Brown, highlighting offensive firepower despite play-calling changes.
Season stats preview a thriller: Both teams average high yards/game (Bears 369.6 #6, Lions 376.3 #4), but Chicago edges in third-down efficiency (42.18% #8) and turnover creation against Detroit's giveaways (0.7/game #3 league-wide).
Key Stats and Matchup Breakdown
Offensively, Lions lead with 6.1 yards/play (#4) and 5.0 yards/rush (#2), testing Bears' solid run defense (opp yards/rush 5.2 #30 vs. DET). Chicago counters with balanced attack (5.7 yards/play #8) and superior time of possession (52.13% #9).
Defensively, Bears excel in takeaways (2.2/game #1) and low opponent points/play (0.374 #15 vs. DET), while Lions force few turnovers (1.1/game #21). Penalties favor Detroit slightly (opp penalties/play 0.04 #31 vs. CHI), but Chicago's discipline has improved late-season.
Turnover battle tilts Bears' way (+1.5 margin #1 vs. Lions -0.4 #8), potentially deciding a close contest. Rushing parity (both ~45% play rate) sets up ground-game duel with playoff implications.
Playoff Impacts and What's at Stake
For Chicago, a win cements NFC North supremacy and boosts seeding ahead of wild-card foes like Eagles (11-5). Loss risks slipping in bracket picture, though division title is secure.
Detroit must win to stay alive in wild-card race, trailing teams like Packers (9-6-1). Victory, paired with losses elsewhere, could vault them into playoffs; defeat likely ends season at 8-9.
NFC standings underscore urgency: Bears lead North, but Lions' high-powered attack (points/play 0.474 #3) poses upset threat. Fans anticipate fierce rivalry renewal with national spotlight.