Coming off a dominant 52-6 dismantling of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions entered Week 12 as Super Bowl favorites (+310), marking the first time in franchise history they have led the odds. But against the struggling Bears, they faced a tougher-than-expected challenge that forced them to grind until the clock hit zero.
Lions Dominate Early, but Let Bears Claw Back
Detroit started strong, building a commanding 16-0 halftime lead behind stellar plays from sophomore running back Jahmyr Gibbs and a defense that initially suffocated Chicago’s offense.
Gibbs flashed his game-breaking ability with a 28-yard run and several clutch conversions, while Jared Goff methodically picked apart the Bears’ defense. Goff’s first-half touchdown to Sam LaPorta and the reliable leg of kicker Riley Bates set the tone for what seemed like a runaway victory.
The defense, anchored by Za’Darius Smith and Malcolm Rodriguez, forced the Bears into four consecutive punts to open the game. Chicago didn’t manage a first down until late in the second quarter, and Caleb Williams struggled under relentless pressure, finishing the half with just 55 passing yards.
But Detroit’s uncharacteristic sloppiness gave the Bears life. Gibbs’ fumble late in the first half squandered an opportunity to extend the lead to three scores, and penalties — such as a crackback block by Jameson Williams — allowed Chicago to hang around. Those mistakes compounded as the game progressed.
Grit and Gaffes Define Final Minutes
The second half told a different story, as Chicago found its rhythm. Williams connected on a 31-yard touchdown to Keenan Allen early in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 16-7. The Bears’ defense also stiffened, holding Detroit to a field goal after an electric 15-yard reverse by Williams brought Ford Field to its feet.
Then came the Bears’ offensive explosion. After another LaPorta touchdown extended the Lions’ lead to 23-7, Williams orchestrated back-to-back scoring drives, including a 31-yard strike to DJ Moore. With just over five minutes remaining, Detroit’s lead was down to three points.
Facing mounting pressure, Detroit’s special teams delivered when it mattered most. A perfectly executed punt by Jack Fox pinned Chicago at their own 1-yard line with under four minutes to play. Still, the Bears marched methodically into Lions territory, aided by a controversial pass interference call on fourth down.
Detroit’s defense, however, saved its best for last. Smith’s third-down sack and Chicago’s baffling clock management squandered their chance to tie or win. Williams’ desperation heave as time expired fell incomplete, handing Detroit its franchise-record 10th straight win.
Eyeing History Amid Growing Expectations
With an 11-1 record, Detroit now sits atop the NFL alongside Kansas City. BetMGM places the Lions as Super Bowl 59 favorites — a surreal position for a team that hasn’t reached the championship game in its 94-year history. But as the Bears game showed, the road to glory won’t be smooth.
“We have to clean up those mistakes,” Goff said postgame. “This league doesn’t give you many second chances.”
The Lions remain a dangerous force, blending a high-octane offense with a gritty defense. If they can tighten up their execution, this could finally be the year Detroit’s football faithful witness the ultimate payoff.
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