Overview
- Detroit enters Week 18 at 8-8 and eliminated, while Chicago can secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed with a win or an Eagles loss.
- Dan Campbell publicly backed Jared Goff, calling him an “absolute stud” who is “going nowhere,” after a season with 4,233 yards, 33 TDs and a 107.0 rating.
- Campbell declined to outline staff changes before a full review, praising first-year DC Kelvin Sheppard even as run and scoring defense rankings fell sharply from 2024.
- Offensive turbulence followed Ben Johnson’s exit to the Bears, a midseason play-calling change from John Morton to Campbell, and a weakened line after Frank Ragnow’s retirement.
- Goff said the Lions aim to “gain a little respect back,” as Campbell plans to play available starters and Ben Johnson’s Bears emphasize momentum after a 49ers loss.