On January 4, 2026, Detroit beat Chicago 19-16 at Soldier Field. The Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears match player stats show how Detroit controlled possession and produced 163 more total yards. Chicago entered as NFC North champion and needed help or a victory to secure the NFC’s second seed.
Detroit had already been eliminated but could finish with a winning record. Detroit played without Penei Sewell, Alex Anzalone and Alim McNeill. Chicago receiver Rome Odunze was also inactive. Detroit built a 16-point lead before Chicago scored twice during the fourth quarter. Jake Bates then made the winning field goal as time expired.
Match Overview Table
This Week 18 matchup completed the regular season for both teams. Detroit improved to 9-8, while Chicago finished 11-6.
| Match Detail | Information |
| Date | January 4, 2026 |
| Venue | Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois |
| Competition | NFL 2025 regular season, Week 18 |
| Final score | Detroit Lions 19, Chicago Bears 16 |
| Detroit record entering | 8-8 |
| Chicago record entering | 11-5 |
| Detroit final record | 9-8 |
| Chicago final record | 11-6 |
| Attendance | 57,036 |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy, 33°F |
| Game duration | 2 hours, 53 minutes |
Pre-Match Context
Chicago had recovered from an 0-2 start by winning 11 of its next 14 games. The Bears had already clinched the NFC North after winning seven of their previous nine games. A victory guaranteed the NFC’s second playoff seed.
Detroit entered after consecutive losses against the Rams, Steelers and Vikings. The Vikings’ defeat eliminated Detroit from postseason contention. The Lions had beaten Chicago 52-21 during Week 2. Detroit therefore entered Soldier Field with an opportunity to complete a season sweep.
Sewell’s absence moved Chris Hubbard into Detroit’s starting right-tackle position. Malcolm Rodriguez started at linebacker without Anzalone available. Chicago started Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland among its primary targets. Odunze missed his fifth consecutive game because of a foot injury.
Quarter by Quarter Score Table
Detroit scored during each quarter and led 16-0 entering the fourth. Chicago scored all its points during the final period.
| Team | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter |
| Detroit Lions | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Chicago Bears | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
The fourth-quarter scoring tied the contest before Detroit completed its final possession. Bates’ field goal produced the 19-16 final score.
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Detroit opened with an 11-play, 55-yard drive lasting 6:25. Bates completed the possession with a 34-yard field goal. Chicago crossed midfield during its first possession. Detroit stopped the drive at its 44-yard line and forced a punt.
Goff completed seven first-quarter passes, including three conversions to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit possessed the ball for 10:04. The Lions ended the quarter at Chicago’s 40-yard line while leading 3-0.
Second Quarter
Detroit continued that possession for 16 total plays and 66 net yards. Bates made a 30-yard field goal for a 6-0 lead. Aidan Hutchinson then sacked Caleb Williams for a seven-yard loss. Chicago punted without earning another first down.
Detroit’s next drive covered 76 yards in nine plays. Goff found Jahmyr Gibbs for a 15-yard touchdown. Chicago reached Detroit’s 30-yard line before failing on fourth down. A replay review changed Loveland’s apparent catch into an incompletion.
Detroit moved into field-goal range during the final 30 seconds. Bates missed a 53-yard attempt wide left as time expired.
Third Quarter
Chicago’s opening possession ended with Tory Taylor’s punt. Detroit also punted after Gervon Dexter sacked Goff. The Bears later moved into Detroit territory through runs from Burden and D’Andre Swift.
Avonte Maddox intercepted Williams’ pass intended for DJ Moore near Detroit’s goal line. The touchback ended Chicago’s scoring opportunity. Detroit responded with an 11-play, 74-yard possession. Bates converted a 25-yard field goal for a 16-0 lead.
Chicago began its first touchdown drive before the quarter ended. Williams completed a 13-yard pass to Burden on the final play.
Fourth Quarter
Williams completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker with 14:16 remaining. Kyle Monangai added the two-point rushing conversion. Detroit crossed midfield on its next possession. Andrew Billings then sacked David Montgomery during a direct-snap passing play.
Chicago began its next possession at its 12-yard line. Williams directed a 12-play, 88-yard touchdown drive. Loveland caught a one-yard touchdown pass with 5:25 remaining. Williams found Cole Kmet for the tying two-point conversion.
Detroit reached Chicago territory before Kevin Byard intercepted Goff at the Chicago five-yard line. The Bears failed to gain another first down and punted with 1:55 remaining. Detroit started its final drive at its 37.
Goff connected with St. Brown for 26 yards with 42 seconds left. Bates then made a 42-yard field goal as time expired.
Team Stats Comparison
Detroit produced more first downs, rushing yards and passing yards. The Lions also ran 20 more offensive plays.
| Team Statistic | Detroit Lions | Chicago Bears | Difference |
| Total yards | 433 | 270 | Detroit +163 |
| Offensive plays | 72 | 52 | Detroit +20 |
| First downs | 26 | 16 | Detroit +10 |
| Net passing yards | 311 | 205 | Detroit +106 |
| Rushing yards | 122 | 65 | Detroit +57 |
| Yards per play | 6.0 | 5.2 | Detroit +0.8 |
| Third downs | 6 of 13 | 4 of 11 | Detroit +9.8% |
| Red-zone touchdowns | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | Chicago +75% |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 | Even |
| Penalties | 6 for 35 | 4 for 25 | Chicago committed fewer |
| Field goals | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | Detroit +4 |
| Time of possession | 35:45 | 24:15 | Detroit +11:30 |
Key Numbers That Decided the Game
The team totals explain how Detroit created more scoring opportunities despite Chicago’s fourth-quarter efficiency.
- Detroit outgained Chicago 433-270 and ran 20 more offensive plays.
- Detroit recorded 26 first downs, while Chicago finished with 16.
- The Lions held possession for 35:45, which was 11:30 longer than Chicago.
- Detroit produced 122 rushing yards and limited Chicago to 65.
- Bates converted four field goals, while Chicago attempted none.
- Each quarterback threw one interception, but Chicago failed to score after Byard’s takeaway.
Full Box Score: Detroit Lions
Detroit gained 433 yards while balancing 42 official pass attempts with 27 rushing attempts. Goff distributed completions among seven receivers. Gibbs and Montgomery combined for every Detroit rushing attempt.
Detroit Passing
Goff passed for 331 gross yards and one touchdown. Chicago recorded three team sacks because Montgomery was sacked during a designed passing play.
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Jared Goff | 27/42 | 331 | 1 | 1 |
| David Montgomery | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Detroit Rushing
Gibbs handled 19 of Detroit’s 27 carries and gained 80 yards. Montgomery added 42 yards on eight attempts.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 19 | 80 | 4.2 | 0 |
| David Montgomery | 8 | 42 | 5.3 | 0 |
Detroit Receiving
St. Brown led all players in receptions and receiving yards. His final reception moved Detroit into winning field-goal range.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 11 | 139 | 12.6 | 0 |
| Jameson Williams | 6 | 74 | 12.3 | 0 |
| Kalif Raymond | 3 | 52 | 17.3 | 0 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 3 | 33 | 11.0 | 1 |
| Anthony Firkser | 2 | 2 | 1.0 | 0 |
| Isaac TeSlaa | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 0 |
| David Montgomery | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | 0 |
Detroit Kicking
Bates supplied 13 of Detroit’s 19 points. He made attempts from 34, 30, 25 and 42 yards.
| Player | FG | XP | Total Points |
| Jake Bates | 4/5 | 1/1 | 13 |
Detroit Returns
Raymond returned three punts and helped Detroit begin its winning drive at the 37. Kennedy handled both Detroit kickoff returns.
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Kalif Raymond, punts | 3 | 33 | 11.0 |
| Tom Kennedy, kickoffs | 2 | 40 | 20.0 |
Detroit Defensive Leaders
Jack Campbell led Detroit with 10 combined tackles. Hutchinson recorded Detroit’s only sack, while Maddox produced the interception.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key Play |
| Jack Campbell | 10 | 0 | 1 PD |
| Aidan Hutchinson | 6 | 1.0 | None |
| Daniel Thomas | 6 | 0 | None |
| Malcolm Rodriguez | 4 | 0 | None |
| Avonte Maddox | 4 | 0 | 1 INT, 1 PD |
| Rock Ya-Sin | 4 | 0 | 1 PD |
| Derrick Barnes | 3 | 0 | 1 PD |
| J. Mills | 2 | 0 | None |
Full Box Score: Chicago Bears
Chicago gained 270 yards and scored on both fourth-quarter touchdown possessions.
Williams completed passes to seven receivers. Loveland received 13 targets and accounted for almost half Chicago’s completions.
Chicago Passing
Williams threw both Chicago touchdowns during the fourth quarter. His third-quarter interception ended a drive inside Detroit territory.
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Caleb Williams | 20/33 | 212 | 2 | 1 |
Chicago Rushing
Swift led Chicago with 40 yards on 10 carries. Burden produced the Bears’ longest run with a 10-yard attempt.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| D’Andre Swift | 10 | 40 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Kyle Monangai | 6 | 14 | 2.3 | 0 |
| Luther Burden III | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Caleb Williams | 1 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 |
Chicago Receiving
Loveland led Chicago with 10 receptions and 91 yards. Walker and Loveland caught the team’s two touchdowns.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Colston Loveland | 10 | 91 | 9.1 | 1 |
| Luther Burden III | 3 | 35 | 11.7 | 0 |
| Jahdae Walker | 2 | 36 | 18.0 | 1 |
| Cole Kmet | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Kyle Monangai | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 |
| DJ Moore | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| D’Andre Swift | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 |
Chicago Kicking
Chicago scored both touchdowns with successful two-point conversions. Cairo Santos therefore attempted no field goals or extra points.
| Player | FG | XP | Total Points |
| Cairo Santos | 0/0 | 0/0 | 0 |
Chicago Returns
Devin Duvernay handled three kickoff returns and one punt return. Josh Blackwell added a 30-yard kickoff return.
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Devin Duvernay, kickoffs | 3 | 76 | 25.3 |
| Devin Duvernay, punts | 1 | 15 | 15.0 |
| Josh Blackwell, kickoffs | 1 | 30 | 30.0 |
Chicago Defensive Leaders
Three Chicago defenders recorded eight combined tackles. Byard’s interception stopped Detroit inside the Chicago five during the fourth quarter.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key Play |
| Tremaine Edmunds | 8 | 0 | None |
| Jaquan Brisker | 8 | 0 | 2 PD |
| Kevin Byard | 8 | 0 | 1 INT, 1 PD |
| C.J. Gardner-Johnson | 6 | 0 | None |
| Nahshon Wright | 6 | 0 | None |
| Jaylon Johnson | 5 | 0 | None |
| Andrew Billings | 4 | 1.0 | None |
| Montez Sweat | 4 | 0.5 | 1 PD |
Game Leaders and Top Performers
Jake Bates
Bates scored on four field goals and one extra point. His 42-yard attempt ended the game as regulation expired. Bates had earlier converted from 34, 30 and 25 yards. His only miss came from 53 yards before halftime.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
St. Brown caught 11 of his 15 targets for 139 yards. He produced six catches covering at least 10 yards. His 26-yard reception during Detroit’s final drive moved the ball from Detroit’s 48 to Chicago’s 26.
Jared Goff
Goff completed 27 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown. He connected with seven different receivers. His interception stopped a potential scoring drive with 2:23 remaining. He then completed the decisive pass after Detroit regained possession.
Caleb Williams
Williams completed 20 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He directed touchdown drives covering 65 and 88 yards during the fourth quarter. Both drives ended with successful two-point conversions.
Colston Loveland
Loveland caught 10 passes from 13 targets for 91 yards. Six of his receptions came during the second half. He caught four passes during Chicago’s tying drive. The final reception produced a one-yard touchdown.
| Player | Team | Key Statistics | Direct Impact |
| Jake Bates | Detroit | 4/5 FG, 13 points | Made winning field goal |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Detroit | 11 catches, 139 yards | Set up final kick |
| Jared Goff | Detroit | 331 yards, 1 TD | Led winning drive |
| Caleb Williams | Chicago | 212 yards, 2 TD | Directed fourth-quarter comeback |
| Colston Loveland | Chicago | 10 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD | Scored tying touchdown |
Starting Lineups
Both teams used different formations, so several position rows contain paired positional labels. The players remain listed in official starting order.
Offensive Starting Lineups
Detroit started Hubbard at right tackle because Sewell was unavailable. Chicago started two tight ends alongside Burden and Moore.
| Position | Detroit Lions | Chicago Bears |
| WR / WR | Jameson Williams | Luther Burden III |
| WR / TE | Amon-Ra St. Brown | Cole Kmet |
| LT | Taylor Decker | Theo Benedet |
| LG | Christian Mahogany | Joe Thuney |
| C | Graham Glasgow | Drew Dalman |
| RG | Tate Ratledge | Jonah Jackson |
| RT | Chris Hubbard | Darnell Wright |
| TE / WR | Shane Zylstra | DJ Moore |
| WR / TE | Isaac TeSlaa | Colston Loveland |
| QB | Jared Goff | Caleb Williams |
| RB | Jahmyr Gibbs | D’Andre Swift |
Defensive Starting Lineups
Detroit started three linebackers, while Chicago listed Nahshon Wright as a defensive back within its starting structure.
| Position | Detroit Lions | Chicago Bears |
| DE / DL | Aidan Hutchinson | Austin Booker |
| DL | Tyleik Williams | Gervon Dexter |
| DL | D.J. Reader | Andrew Billings |
| DE / DL | Marcus Davenport | Montez Sweat |
| LB | Derrick Barnes | Tremaine Edmunds |
| LB | Jack Campbell | T.J. Edwards |
| LB / DB | Malcolm Rodriguez | Nahshon Wright |
| DB | Avonte Maddox | Jaylon Johnson |
| CB / DB | Rock Ya-Sin | C.J. Gardner-Johnson |
| CB / S | D.J. Reed | Jaquan Brisker |
| S | Daniel Thomas | Kevin Byard |
Injury Report
The tables show final pregame injury designations. Questionable did not automatically mean the player missed the game.
Detroit Lions Injuries
Detroit ruled out five players, including three regular defensive starters. Several questionable offensive players received clearance and started.
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Alex Anzalone | Concussion, personal | Out |
| Trystan Colon | Wrist | Out |
| Thomas Harper | Concussion | Out |
| Alim McNeill | Abdomen | Out |
| Penei Sewell | Ankle | Out |
| Kayode Awosika | Illness | Questionable |
| Taylor Decker | Shoulder, illness, rest | Questionable |
| Christian Mahogany | Illness | Questionable |
| Giovanni Manu | Knee | Questionable |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Knee, ankle | Questionable |
Chicago Bears Injuries
Chicago listed four players as questionable and ruled out Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Odunze, McCloud and Trapilo were ultimately inactive.
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Rome Odunze | Foot | Questionable |
| Jaquan Brisker | Illness | Questionable |
| Ozzy Trapilo | Knee, quadriceps | Questionable |
| Nick McCloud | Illness | Questionable |
| Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Concussion | Out |
Detroit replaced Sewell with Hubbard and started Rodriguez without Anzalone. McNeill’s absence also reduced Detroit’s interior defensive rotation.
Chicago played without Odunze, removing a receiver who had recorded 661 yards and six touchdowns before his absence.
Brisker received clearance and started. He finished with eight tackles and two defended passes.
Season Series and Head to Head
Chicago led the all-time series 105-82-5 after Detroit completed its 2025 regular-season sweep.
| Date | Venue | Winner | Score | Season Result |
| September 14, 2025 | Ford Field | Detroit Lions | 52-21 | Detroit led series 1-0 |
| January 4, 2026 | Soldier Field | Detroit Lions | 19-16 | Detroit won series 2-0 |
Detroit scored 71 combined points across the two meetings. Chicago scored 37 combined points. The Week 18 victory was Detroit’s 82nd all-time win against Chicago. The Bears retained the overall series lead.
Conference and League Standings
Chicago finished first in the NFC North and secured the NFC’s second seed. Detroit tied Minnesota’s record but missed the playoffs.
| Team | Record | Winning Percentage | Division Record | Postseason Status |
| Chicago Bears | 11-6 | .647 | 2-4 | Division champion, NFC No. 2 |
| Green Bay Packers | 9-7-1 | .559 | 4-2 | Wild card, NFC No. 7 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 9-8 | .529 | 4-2 | Eliminated |
| Detroit Lions | 9-8 | .529 | 2-4 | Eliminated |
Chicago retained the second seed because Washington defeated Philadelphia later that day. The Bears advanced to host Green Bay.
Broadcast and Stream Information
FOX carried the original national television broadcast. Streaming and international availability depended on location and subscription eligibility.
| Platform | Details | Availability |
| Television | FOX | Regional United States coverage |
| Play-by-play | Kevin Burkhardt | FOX broadcast |
| Analyst | Tom Brady | FOX broadcast |
| Sideline | Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi | FOX broadcast |
| Streaming | NFL+ | Eligible local games on phones and tablets |
| Detroit radio | Lions Radio Network | Local and network affiliates |
| Radio announcers | Dan Miller, Lomas Brown, T.J. Lang | Lions broadcast |
| Canada | CTV, TSN, NFL Game Pass | Selected regions |
| DACH and Brazil | NFL Game Pass on DAZN | Subscription coverage |
Conclusion
Detroit ended its season with a winning record and completed a two-game sweep of Chicago. The Lions created more possessions through sustained drives and limited Chicago’s rushing production. Their kicking unit converted those opportunities into points.
Chicago’s fourth-quarter passing attack erased the entire deficit. Its offense could not capitalize after the late defensive interception. The Bears moved into a home wild-card matchup against Green Bay. Detroit entered the offseason after missing postseason qualification.
For more match updates, read: Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears match player stats
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Detroit Lions versus Chicago Bears game?
Detroit won 19-16 at Soldier Field on January 4, 2026. Jake Bates made a 42-yard field goal as regulation expired.
What were Jared Goff’s player stats against Chicago?
Goff completed 27 of 42 passes for 331 yards. He threw one touchdown and one interception while leading Detroit’s final scoring drive.
What were Caleb Williams’ statistics against Detroit?
Williams completed 20 of 33 attempts for 212 yards. He threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns and one third-quarter interception.
Who led the game in receiving yards?
Amon-Ra St. Brown led both teams with 139 yards on 11 receptions. His final catch gained 26 yards and set up Detroit’s winner.
How did Chicago erase Detroit’s 16-point lead?
Williams threw touchdowns to Jahdae Walker and Colston Loveland. Chicago added two successful conversions to tie the score during the fourth quarter.
Who scored the winning points?
Jake Bates scored the winning points with a 42-yard field goal. The kick completed a six-play drive as time expired.
What were the teams’ final regular-season records?
Detroit finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Chicago finished 11-6, won the NFC North and secured the conference’s second seed.
