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If you’re refreshing your feed trying to figure out what is the score the detroit lions game, you’ve probably caught the tail end of one of the wildest regular-season finales in recent memory. The Lions just wrapped up their Week 18 showdown against the Chicago Bears on January 4, 2026, and honestly, it was a heart-stopper.
The final score was Detroit Lions 19, Chicago Bears 16.
It wasn't pretty. It was gritty. It was exactly the kind of football Dan Campbell lives for, even if it left fans in Detroit biting their nails down to the quick until the very last second.
How the Lions Stole One in the Windy City
Basically, the Lions dominated the early portions of this game but forgot how to put it away. By the time the third quarter wrapped up, Detroit was sitting on a comfortable 16-0 lead. Jake Bates—the hero of the day—had already chipped in three field goals from 34, 30, and 25 yards. Jared Goff also connected with Jahmyr Gibbs for a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter to give the Lions some real breathing room.
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Then things got weird.
Caleb Williams and the Bears woke up in the fourth. Williams found Jahdae Walker for a 25-yard touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion that made it 16-8. A few minutes later, Colston Loveland caught a 1-yard pass for another TD. Another two-point conversion later, and suddenly we were tied at 16-16 with about five minutes left on the clock.
Key Performance Stats from the Game
- Jared Goff: 27-of-42 for 331 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 11 catches for 139 yards.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 80 rushing yards plus that 15-yard receiving touchdown.
- Jake Bates: 4-for-5 on field goals, including the game-winner.
The Kick That Decided What Is The Score The Detroit Lions Game
With the game tied and the clock bleeding out, the Lions put together a 6-play, 39-yard drive. It wasn't a massive march down the field, but it was enough to get within range for Jake Bates. With only two seconds left on the clock, Bates stepped up and nailed a 42-yarder.
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The ball sailed through the uprights at Soldier Field. Game over. 19-16.
This win brings the Lions to a final 9-8 record for the 2025 season. It’s a bit of a bittersweet finish because, despite the winning record, the NFC North was a meat grinder this year. The Bears finished 11-6, the Packers went 9-7-1, and the Vikings also sat at 9-8. Because of tiebreakers and division standings, the Lions actually finish fourth in the NFC North.
Why This Score Matters for Detroit's Future
Honestly, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs is tough to swallow for a team that had such high expectations. But the way they won this game shows the culture hasn't shifted. Jared Goff still looks like a guy who can move the chains under pressure, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is... well, he's a machine. 11 catches for 139 yards in a cold January game is no joke.
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The defense had its moments, too. They held the Bears scoreless for three full quarters before the fourth-quarter collapse. If you’re looking for why they didn't win more games this year, look at those scoring droughts and the inability to close out the fourth quarter cleanly.
What Happens Next for the Lions?
The 2026 NFL Draft order is already starting to solidify. Since the Lions didn't make the Wild Card cut, they’ll be looking at a mid-round pick to bolster that secondary or perhaps find another edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
If you’re already looking toward next season, the 2026 opponents are set. Detroit will face a tough schedule including the AFC East (Patriots, Bills, Dolphins, Jets) and the NFC South (Falcons, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers).
For now, the score is final. 19-16.
To keep track of the Lions' offseason moves, start by monitoring the NFL Scouting Combine in late February. This is where Detroit usually begins rebuilding the gaps that led to this 9-8 finish. You can also track the franchise tag deadline on March 3 to see which key players the front office decides to lock down before free agency officially begins.