By Waqar Ali Shah, Sports Business Correspondent | Jan 05, 2026 |ย Sports
Key Takeaways
- The Score: The bears vs lions score ended 19โ16 in favor of Detroit on a walk off field goal.
- History Made: Caleb Williams set a new Bears single season passing record with 3,942 yards.
- Playoff Bound: Chicago secured the NFC No. 2 seed and home field advantage for the first two rounds.
The regular season finale at Soldier Field on Sunday provided a masterclass in high stakes drama. While the final bears vs lions score of 19โ16 favored Detroit, the afternoon was far from a loss for Chicago. In a game defined by a historic passing record and a last second field goal, the Bears managed to clinch the NFC No. 2 seed, ensuring the road to the Super Bowl runs through the Windy City.
Despite the bears vs lions score ending in a narrow defeat, the story of the day was rookie sensation Caleb Williams. Trailing 16โ0 in the fourth quarter, Williams transformed a stagnant offense into a powerhouse, proving the Bears are a legitimate threat heading into the postseason.
Caleb Williams Rewrites the Record Books
The most significant outcome of the day beyond the scoreboard was the official changing of the guard in Chicagoโs passing history. With a 25 yard strike to Jahdae Walker in the fourth quarter, Caleb Williams officially eclipsed Erik Kramerโs 1995 single season passing record of 3,838 yards.
Williams finished the day with 212 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 3,942 yards. While the bears vs lions score wasn’t the win he wanted, the milestone provides a clear signal that Chicago has finally found its franchise cornerstone.According to the official Bears team recap, the offense remains “confident as ever” heading into the postseason.
Why the Lionsโ Trick Play Touchdown Was Overturned
One of the most debated moments came when the Lions appeared to score on a trick play involving quarterback Jared Goff. The play was negated due to an illegal motion penalty.
Under NFL Rule 7-4-8, a quarterback in motion must come to a complete stop for at least one full second before the snap. Goff failed to reset, wiping seven points off the board. This technicality kept the bears vs lions score within striking distance during Chicagoโs late game rally.
How the Game Was Decided
Chicago tied the game at 16โ16 late in the fourth after a touchdown and a gutsy two point conversion. However, Detroitโs Jared Goff responded with a clinical 63 yard drive, setting up kicker Jake Bates for a 42 yard field goal as time expired. The kick finalized the bears vs lions score at 19โ16.
The L on the scoreboard was softened within minutes as the Eagles’ loss to the Commanders officially locked Chicago into the NFC No. 2 seed. The Bears will now host the Green Bay Packers this Saturday in the Wild Card round.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Rivalry Renewed
The regular season is over, but the intensity is just beginning. The NFL has confirmed that the Chicago Bears will host their oldest rivals, the Green Bay Packers, in the NFC Wild Card round.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET)
- Where to Watch: Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video
This will be the first postseason meeting between these two teams since the 2010 NFC Championship. While the bears vs lions score showed some areas for improvement, the Bears now have home field advantage and a record breaking quarterback ready for his playoff debut.
FAQ
Who was favored in Bears vs Lions?
Chicago entered as 3 point home favorites, though the Lions secured the upset victory
Did the Bears score 73 points in a game?
Yes. In 1940, the Bears defeated Washington 73โ0 in the NFL Championship, the highest scoring game in league history.
Did the Bears beat the Lions this year?
No. Detroit officially swept the 2025-26 season series against Chicago.
Are the Bears in the playoffs?
Yes. Chicago has secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC and will host a playoff game this Saturday.
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