Posted on Dec 31

Lions face Bears in must-win finale to avoid first losing season since 2021

Posted Dec 31, 2025

The Detroit Lions face a critical moment as they prepare to conclude a disappointing 2025 season against the Chicago Bears, seeking to avoid their first losing record since 2021.

Why it matters: The outcome of this game holds significant implications for the Lions' future and team morale.

A victory would allow the Lions to finish the season with a respectable 9-8 record, despite a tumultuous campaign.
Conversely, a loss could solidify the perception that the team has regressed after back-to-back NFC North division titles and an impressive 15-win season in 2024.

What’s new: Coach Dan Campbell has openly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, labeling it "rock bottom" following a three-game losing streak.

The Lions have struggled to maintain momentum after reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2023.
With an 8-8 record heading into the regular-season finale, the stakes couldn't be higher for a franchise eager to reclaim its competitive edge.

Yes, but: Despite the current struggles, players remain focused on finishing strong.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs emphasized the importance of playing hard: "I don't want to go out bad. So, I'm going to play my hardest for the team and whatever it takes to win."
Offensive lineman Taylor Decker noted that winning has become the standard for the team, which adds pressure to conclude the season positively.

By the numbers: Historical context underlines the significance of this game for the Lions.

A failure to secure a win against the Bears would mark the first time since the 2021 season that the Lions finished below .500, when they went 3-13-1.
The Lions have won their last three matchups against Chicago, including a dominant 52-21 victory earlier this season.

What to watch: As the Lions aim to regain lost respect, the performance of quarterback Jared Goff will be crucial.

Goff stated, "It's about respect... We want to go out there and put something good on tape," indicating a desire to improve the team's reputation around the league.
This game presents an opportunity for Goff and his teammates to showcase their resilience and potential for the upcoming season.

The bottom line: The Lions stand at a crossroads, with the Bears matchup serving as both a chance for redemption and a litmus test for the team's direction moving forward.

The outcome could influence offseason strategies and player evaluations as the Lions seek to rebuild and reestablish themselves as contenders in the NFL.

Lions face Bears in must-win finale to avoid first losing season since 2021

Alex Parker

Posted Dec 31, 2025

The Detroit Lions face a critical moment as they prepare to conclude a disappointing 2025 season against the Chicago Bears, seeking to avoid their first losing record since 2021.

Why it matters: The outcome of this game holds significant implications for the Lions' future and team morale.

A victory would allow the Lions to finish the season with a respectable 9-8 record, despite a tumultuous campaign.

Conversely, a loss could solidify the perception that the team has regressed after back-to-back NFC North division titles and an impressive 15-win season in 2024.

What’s new: Coach Dan Campbell has openly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, labeling it "rock bottom" following a three-game losing streak.

The Lions have struggled to maintain momentum after reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2023.

With an 8-8 record heading into the regular-season finale, the stakes couldn't be higher for a franchise eager to reclaim its competitive edge.

Yes, but: Despite the current struggles, players remain focused on finishing strong.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs emphasized the importance of playing hard: "I don't want to go out bad. So, I'm going to play my hardest for the team and whatever it takes to win."

Offensive lineman Taylor Decker noted that winning has become the standard for the team, which adds pressure to conclude the season positively.

By the numbers: Historical context underlines the significance of this game for the Lions.

A failure to secure a win against the Bears would mark the first time since the 2021 season that the Lions finished below .500, when they went 3-13-1.

The Lions have won their last three matchups against Chicago, including a dominant 52-21 victory earlier this season.

What to watch: As the Lions aim to regain lost respect, the performance of quarterback Jared Goff will be crucial.

Goff stated, "It's about respect... We want to go out there and put something good on tape," indicating a desire to improve the team's reputation around the league.

This game presents an opportunity for Goff and his teammates to showcase their resilience and potential for the upcoming season.

The bottom line: The Lions stand at a crossroads, with the Bears matchup serving as both a chance for redemption and a litmus test for the team's direction moving forward.

The outcome could influence offseason strategies and player evaluations as the Lions seek to rebuild and reestablish themselves as contenders in the NFL.