Overview
- Detroit sits 8-8 and out of the playoffs, with a Week 18 trip to the 11-5 Bears led by former Lions OC Ben Johnson, who said Chicago is "playing to win" with the No. 2 seed in play.
- On 97.1 The Ticket, Dan Campbell called Jared Goff "an absolute stud" who is "going nowhere" after a season with 4,233 yards and 33 touchdowns through 16 games.
- Campbell said starters will play unless there is a long‑term injury risk, and Goff framed the finale as a chance to "gain a little respect back."
- The offense never fully stabilized following staff turnover and offensive line setbacks, with Campbell taking over play-calling midseason after OC John Morton’s eight-game stint.
- Defensive performance declined under first-year coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, sliding from top-10 marks in 2024 to 16th in run defense and 23rd in scoring, with Campbell declining to discuss staff decisions before the offseason.