Lions finish 9-8, miss playoffs after loss to Vikings, rally to beat Bears

The Detroit Lions concluded their season with a 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears but fell short of playoff contention, raising questions about their trajectory moving forward.

Why it matters: Despite finishing with a respectable 9-8 record, the Lions missed the postseason for the first time since 2022, highlighting the competitive challenges in the NFC North.

• Under head coach Dan Campbell, the team exhibited improvement yet ultimately failed to capitalize on opportunities that could have secured a playoff berth.
• The Lions were eliminated from contention following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day, underscoring the importance of late-season performance.

What’s new: The Lions final game against the Bears was marked by a dramatic game-winning field goal from Jake Bates, demonstrating resilience despite the overall disappointment of the season.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown once again showcased his elite receiving ability, surpassing 1,400 receiving yards for the second time in his career.
• Jahmyr Gibbs also had a standout season, finishing with 18 total touchdowns, proving to be a key offensive asset.

Yes, but: While individual player performances were notable, the overarching sentiment within the organization is one of dissatisfaction.

• Coach Dan Campbell admitted that the team's performance "was not good enough," expressing accountability with an emphatic self-rating of “F.”
• Amon-Ra St. Brown echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the team simply did not make enough winning plays to merit a playoff spot.

What to watch: The offseason will be crucial for the Lions as they look to build on the positives while addressing areas of need, particularly in depth and consistency.

• The Lions currently hold the 17th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which provides an opportunity to bolster the roster further.
• With the right adjustments, including potential strategic shifts in their offensive playbook, the Lions could enhance their competitiveness next season.

The bottom line: As the Lions reflect on a season of highs and lows, they are poised to learn from their missteps and aim for greater success in the coming year.

• Both Campbell and Gibbs expressed confidence in the team's talent and coaching staff, suggesting a belief that significant improvement is possible.
• Moving forward, finding ways to convert close games into victories will be essential for reestablishing the Lions as contenders in the NFC North.