The game was over. Or at least, that's what everyone at Soldier Field thought when the clock hit the five-minute mark in the fourth quarter. The Detroit Lions were sitting on a comfortable 16-0 lead, and the Chicago Bears looked like they’d already checked out for the postseason. Then, Caleb Williams woke up.
If you are looking for the latest Detroit Lions Chicago Bears score, the final tally was 19-16 in favor of Detroit. But that number doesn't even come close to describing the absolute chaos that unfolded in the final minutes of this January 4, 2026, regular-season finale.
The Cardiac Bears Almost Did It Again
Chicago has earned a reputation recently for playing "ugly" football that somehow stays competitive. This game was the epitome of that. For three quarters, the Bears' offense was non-existent. Williams was being harassed by Aidan Hutchinson—who notched his 14.5 sack of the season—and the run game was stuffed at every turn. Honestly, it was hard to watch if you're a Bears fan.
Then the fourth quarter hit.
Suddenly, Caleb Williams started looking like the franchise savior again. He hooked up with Jahdae Walker for a 25-yard touchdown. Two-point conversion? Good. A few minutes later, he marches them 88 yards down the field and finds tight end Colston Loveland—the guy Tom Brady has been calling "Baby Gronk" on the broadcast—for a 1-yard score. Another two-point conversion later, and we are tied at 16-16.
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The stadium was shaking. You could feel the momentum shifting so hard it was almost physical.
Why the Detroit Lions Chicago Bears Score Favored the Visitors
Even with the collapse, Detroit didn't blink. That is the Dan Campbell influence.
After Jared Goff threw a soul-crushing interception at the Bears' 5-yard line with two minutes left, most teams would have folded. The Lions' defense, however, forced a quick three-and-out. They gave Goff one more chance with 1:41 on the clock.
- The Big Play: Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown for 26 yards over the middle.
- The Workhorse: Jahmyr Gibbs ground out the tough yards to get them into the red zone.
- The Leg: Jake Bates, who has been a revelation, nailed a 42-yarder as time expired.
The Lions finished their season 9-8. It wasn't enough for the playoffs, but sweeping the division champion Bears is a hell of a way to go out.
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A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
Looking at the stat sheet, Jared Goff actually outplayed the score. He went 27-of-42 for 331 yards. He was efficient, moving the chains and keeping the defense on the field. On the other side, Caleb Williams ended with 212 yards and two scores.
Williams came into this game needing 270 yards to become the first 4,000-yard passer in Bears history. The Lions' secondary, specifically Avonte Maddox who had a massive end-zone interception, made sure that didn't happen. Williams fell just 58 yards short of the milestone.
Historic Rivalry by the Numbers
This wasn't just another game. It was the 192nd meeting between these two. The Bears still lead the all-time series 105-82-5, but the recent trend is heavily tilted toward the Motor City. Detroit has now won five of the last six matchups.
The defensive struggle was real. Chicago, which usually averages nearly 150 yards on the ground, was held to just 65. That’s their lowest output of the entire 2025 season. You can’t win many games in the NFC North when you're that one-dimensional.
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What’s Next for Both Teams?
Despite the loss, the Chicago Bears are heading to the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They have a date with the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. They need to figure out why their defense gave up over 430 yards for the second week in a row, or it’s going to be a very short post-season run.
For the Lions, the offseason starts now. They ended on a high note, proving they can still punch with the heavyweights of the division. Dan Campbell has some decisions to make regarding the roster, but the core of Goff, Gibbs, and St. Brown clearly still has plenty of gas in the tank.
If you’re tracking the Detroit Lions Chicago Bears score for betting or historical purposes, remember this one for the Jake Bates "ice in his veins" moment. It’s rare to see a team blow a 16-point lead and still find a way to walk off with a win in the final seconds.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Bears Fans: Watch the injury report for Colston Loveland heading into the Wild Card round; he was the only reliable target in the clutch.
- Lions Fans: Keep an eye on Jake Bates' contract status; he's arguably become the most reliable kicker the franchise has seen in years.
- Analysts: Look at the rushing success rate; Detroit’s ability to limit D'Andre Swift to just 40 yards was the real reason they controlled the tempo for 35 minutes of possession.