Sun Jan 04 23:50:00 UTC 2026: Chicago Bears Eye No. 2 Seed, Quarterback Williams Nears Historic Milestone

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Despite missing out on the NFC’s top seed, the Chicago Bears have much to play for as they head into their regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday.

The NFC North champion Bears (11-5) are aiming to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, which would guarantee them a home game in the divisional round, potentially against their rivals, the Green Bay Packers. A win against the Lions, or a loss by the Philadelphia Eagles against Washington, would lock up the coveted spot.

“What’s been stressed is going out to win,” said linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “The message is going out there to win. Obviously, we understand what comes behind that as far as playing in front of our fans.”

Adding to the excitement, quarterback Caleb Williams is on the cusp of making history. He needs just 109 passing yards to surpass Erik Kramer’s single-season franchise record of 3,838 yards and become the Bears’ first-ever 4,000-yard passer.

The Bears, who went from last in the division to NFC North champions in coach Ben Johnson’s first year, are looking to capitalize on their momentum heading into their first playoff appearance in five years.

However, the Detroit Lions (8-8), despite a disappointing three-game losing streak that has eliminated them from playoff contention, will be looking to play spoiler. Quarterback Jared Goff, who dominated the Bears in their Week 2 meeting, will need to rebound from a recent slump to lead his team to a victory. The Lions have struggled on both offense and defense lately, and are in danger of finishing last in the NFC North.

Despite the Lions’ struggles, the Bears will need to be wary of a Detroit team that defeated them convincingly earlier in the season. The Bears have won the turnover battle all season.

Coach Dan Campbell wants the Lions to finish the season on a high note.

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