Preview: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears - January 4th Showdown at Soldier Field
The Detroit Lions will face off against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, January 4th at 4:25 p.m. The game will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago and will be broadcast on FOX. Fans can also tune in to 97.1-FM The Ticket in Metro Detroit or various network affiliates across the state to listen to the game. The Bears are favored by 3 points in this matchup. The Lions have ruled out several key players due to injuries, including offensive tackle Penei Sewell, linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and safety Thomas Harper.
In their last meeting in Week 2, the Lions dominated the Bears with a 52-21 victory at Ford Field. Quarterback Jared Goff had an outstanding performance, throwing for 334 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught three of those touchdown passes. The Lions are playing for pride in this game, while the Bears are fighting for playoff seeding. A win for Chicago would secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC and the opportunity to host a Divisional Round matchup if they advance.
If the Lions can pull off another win against the Bears, they will secure a winning season for the fourth consecutive year. However, a loss could potentially improve their draft position. Despite the stakes, the Lions plan to play their healthy regulars in the game and may give younger players more opportunities to showcase their skills. Several players on the Lions roster, including Kalif Raymond, Amik Robertson, DJ Reader, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Al-Quadin Muhammad, are playing their last game on their current contracts.
Ben Johnson, the Lions' tight ends coach, will face his former team in this matchup. Despite the outcome, Johnson has led his new team to the playoffs, while the Lions are preparing for an offseason of reflection and adjustments. There may be an element of revenge in this game, with Johnson potentially incorporating extra trick plays or running up the score. Keep an eye on players like Miles Frazier, Sione Vaki, Dominic Lovett, and Mekhi Wingo, who could have expanded roles in the future. Additionally, veterans like Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, and David Montgomery could be facing uncertain futures with the team.