Detroit Lions Rally to Beat Chicago Bears 19-16 in Season Finale at Soldier Field
CHICAGO — The Detroit Lions traveled to Chicago as a broken and battered team, hoping to put together one last quality performance before the 2025 season officially came to a close. And before bidding farewell to the year, the Lions reminded fans of the team they could’ve been.
Detroit controlled Sunday’s matchup against the playoff-bound Chicago Bears from the jump, dominating on both sides of the ball for three quarters before holding off a furious comeback attempt. Kicker Jake Bates sealed the win with a 42-yard, walk-off field goal in a 19-16 victory at Soldier Field.
Lions Secure Fourth Consecutive Winning Season for the First Time Since 1969-72
The Lions improved to 9-8, marking their fourth consecutive winning season — a feat not achieved since the early 1970s. After allowing the Bears (11-6) to storm back with two fourth-quarter touchdowns and successful 2-point conversions, Detroit mounted a potential winning drive in the final minutes.
With just over three minutes remaining, the Lions advanced into Chicago territory. However, Jared Goff was flagged for intentional grounding on second-and-10 and, trying to force a pass into a tight window, threw an interception. This gave the Bears a chance for a go-ahead drive.
But the Bears also faced adversity when a grounding penalty put them in a third-and-long situation, handing the ball back to Detroit just after the two-minute warning. With pride on the line, the Lions moved into field goal range with a key 26-yard completion to Amon-Ra St. Brown and set up Bates for the game-winning kick — his first and only walk-off of the season.
Key Player Performances
- Jared Goff: 27-for-42 passing for 331 yards, one touchdown, one interception.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: 139 receiving yards, including 110 in the first half.
- Jameson Williams: 74 yards on six catches.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 80 rushing yards on 19 carries.
The Lions’ red-zone struggles kept Chicago in the game, going just 1-for-4 inside the 20. The Bears capitalized during the fourth quarter to climb back into contention.
Game Summary
Detroit started strong, moving the ball well on their opening possession but settling for a 34-yard field goal by Bates to take a 3-0 lead with 8:35 left in the first quarter. On their next drive, the Lions again stalled in the red zone, adding another field goal from 30 yards to make it 6-0 with 11:28 left before halftime.
The Bears went three-and-out on their second possession, giving Detroit an opportunity to extend their lead. The Lions responded with a nine-play, 76-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jahmyr Gibbs, pushing their advantage to 13-0 with 4:40 remaining in the first half.
Chicago threatened late in the half, converting a fourth-and-5 near midfield. But linebacker Derrick Barnes broke up a crucial pass to former Michigan star Colston Loveland on fourth down, forcing a turnover on downs with 30 seconds left. Detroit quickly moved into field goal range, but Bates missed a 53-yard attempt wide left as the half ended.
Midway through the third quarter, Chicago threatened again after converting a fourth down on a questionable neutral-zone infraction against Lions defensive tackle Roy Lopez. Despite the penalty, Lopez did not clearly cross the neutral zone, but the Bears took over with a new set of downs at Detroit’s 43-yard line.
Two plays later, Lions safety Avonte Maddox intercepted Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who had tried to throw across his body into the end zone, ending the threat.
Detroit’s offense continued to move the ball but came up short in the red zone again, settling for a 25-yard field goal from Bates with 2:11 left in the third quarter to go ahead 16-0.
Bears Rally in Fourth Quarter
Chicago got on the board early in the fourth quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to Jahdae Walker. Maddox had bitten on a short throw, and cornerback Amik Robertson was unable to cover Walker. After a successful 2-point conversion run by Kyle Monangai, the Bears cut the deficit to 16-8 with 14:16 remaining.
The Lions struggled to maintain possession after attempting to use running back David Montgomery as a passer on third down; he was sacked, forcing a punt.
Chicago then tied the game with 5:25 left on a 1-yard touchdown reception by Loveland after an 88-yard, 12-play drive. Williams found tight end Cole Kmet in the end zone for the game-tying 2-point conversion, knotting the score at 16.
Photo Gallery: Lions’ Season Finale at Soldier Field
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Despite the Bears’ rally, the Lions’ resilience and crucial late-stage plays secured the thrilling 19-16 victory to close their season on a high note.
