The Detroit Lions are officially in must-win mode-and even that might not be enough. After a tough Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit’s path to the postseason has narrowed to a tightrope walk. The math is simple but unforgiving: win out, and hope for a little help from a division rival that has no reason to provide it.
That rival? The Chicago Bears, who suddenly find themselves playing spoiler with real momentum and a first-year head coach in Ben Johnson who has them believing.
Lions Need Help-From the Wrong Team
The Lions’ remaining schedule is manageable on paper, especially compared to what they just faced. But the reality is this: even if Detroit runs the table, they still need Chicago to drop at least one of its next two games-either against the Green Bay Packers or the San Francisco 49ers-to keep their Wild Card hopes alive.
That’s where things get tricky. The Bears aren’t limping to the finish line. They’re surging.
Green Bay might be without Micah Parsons after what looked like a serious knee injury in Week 15, and if he’s out, that’s a massive break for Chicago. Parsons has been a game-wrecker all season, and his absence would open up the field for Caleb Williams, who’s already showing flashes of the dual-threat star he was projected to be.
With Parsons out of the picture, Williams could have a lot more room to operate-both in the pocket and on the move. And when he’s in rhythm, this Bears offense has shown it can put up points in a hurry.
Detroit’s Painful Past Still Lingers
The Lions know better than anyone that nothing is guaranteed in this league. Just ask them about their earlier loss to the Vikings, when J.J.
McCarthy lit them up in a performance that felt like a breakout moment. Since then, McCarthy has cooled off significantly, but that loss still stings-a reminder that every misstep matters in a playoff race this tight.
And now, the Lions have to hope a Bears team they thumped earlier in the season can’t return the favor. But that’s no easy ask. Chicago looks like a different team now-especially on defense, where they’ve been flying around and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, on offense, Williams is building real chemistry with D.J. Moore and rookie standout Rome Odunze.
Add in a revitalized D’Andre Swift, who’s running with purpose and physicality, and you’ve got an offense that can control the clock and wear down defenses. That’s not great news for a Detroit run defense that’s already shown some cracks.
Week 18 Could Be the Decider
If things go the way Detroit hopes, Week 18 could be the game that decides their postseason fate. But here's the catch: that game is against the Bears, and if Johnson’s squad is still in the hunt for the division-or just playing with pride-they’re not going to roll over.
In fact, with each passing week, Chicago looks more and more like a team that’s buying into its identity. Johnson, in his first year at the helm, has them playing disciplined, physical football. They’re not just trying to finish strong-they’re trying to make a statement.
That’s bad news for Detroit, who need everything to break just right. They need to be perfect from here on out. And they need a little help from a Bears team that has every reason to keep pushing forward.
The Lions still have a chance. But it’s a narrow one-and it runs straight through Chicago.