Bears, Lions Set for Season Finale at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Bears (11-5) will host the Detroit Lions (8-8) on Sunday at Soldier Field in the regular-season finale for both NFC North rivals. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. EST under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Bears, already playoff-bound, look to solidify their seeding and build momentum. The Lions, eliminated from postseason contention, aim to close a disappointing season on a high note and play spoiler.

Chicago enters with confidence after a narrow 42-38 road loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, a game in which rookie quarterback Caleb Williams passed for 330 yards and two touchdowns while adding 18 yards rushing. Williams has been dynamic down the stretch, accounting for multiple touchdowns in four consecutive games.

Detroit arrives reeling, having lost three straight, including a 23-10 defeat at Minnesota on Christmas. Quarterback Jared Goff has put up yards during the skid — throwing for 364 and 338 yards in two of the losses — but turnovers and defensive struggles have plagued the team.

The head-to-head series this season is split. The Bears won a weather-shortened 0-0 contest last Saturday, Jan. 3, a game that was suspended and will not be resumed. In Week 2, the Lions dominated at home, winning 52-21 on Sept. 14.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Bears 29, Lions 19. Despite that projection, Detroit has been installed as a slight pregame favorite with a spread of +3.5. The over/under is set at 50.5 points.

Key matchups will include Chicago’s improving defense against Goff and Detroit’s potent passing attack, and the Lions’ struggling secondary versus the playmaking ability of Williams. Bears running back D’Andre Swift, who scored twice against San Francisco, will also be a focus for Detroit’s front seven.

The game will be broadcast on FOX.