Frustrated Bears stumble into rematch with unbowed Lions

The Detroit Lions have lost four of their past six road games against the Chicago Bears and arguably enter their Sunday visit to Chicago in a precarious position despite their perch atop the NFC.

That's because Detroit (12-2) knows injuries about as well as it does victories, even if Chicago's extensive pain has stretched months since the Bears' last win.

Lions running back David Montgomery (sprained MCL) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (torn ACL) sustained likely season-ending knee injuries in a home loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, while cornerback Carlton Davis III fractured his jaw and is out indefinitely.

Montgomery reportedly is seeking a third opinion on his knee injury and is on the Week 16 injury report but not yet on injured reserve.

To coach Dan Campbell, setbacks shouldn't equal sympathy, especially as the Lions control their path to the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

"Nobody's gonna give us a pass or give us an asterisk next to (our) record," Campbell said. "So, what it means is that some guys are gonna have an unbelievable opportunity."

Detroit's 11-game winning streak ended with the 48-42 defeat against Buffalo, but the Lions are still marching toward a bid for a first-round bye and home-field advantage in the conference playoffs.

Their second loss of the season left the NFC North-leading Lions even with the Philadelphia Eagles and North rival Minnesota Vikings. However, the Lions can earn the top seed with victories against the reeling Bears (4-10), San Francisco 49ers (6-8) and the Vikings to close the regular season.

"There's a lot of football left, and I think we're looking forward to this, to be honest with you," Campbell said. "You pick yourself up, you dust yourself off and you go back to the basics, man. Go back to work."

Chicago returns home trying again to end a losing streak that stands at eight games. The run includes a 23-20 Thanksgiving Day defeat in Detroit that led to the firing of third-year Bears coach Matt Eberflus the following day.

Playing under interim head coach Thomas Brown the past two weeks, the Bears lost lopsided road games at San Francisco, 38-13, and Minnesota, 30-12. Chicago has been outscored 53-0 in the first half of its past three contests.

Brown ensures "our guys continue to battle" and pledged "to continue to fight for them and stay behind them."

The Bears realize their chances to demonstrate that resilience are dwindling.

"Of course players got the responsibility to make the plays, and I know nobody's purposely not trying to make plays," cornerback Jaylon Johnson said. "Everybody's goal is to be the best and try to make your place. It's just not going our way."

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, is resolute about furthering his development despite the results. Chicago was just 1-for-12 on third downs against Minnesota and has struggled with protection all season. The Bears' 58 sacks allowed are tied with the Cleveland Browns for most in the NFL. Protecting Williams might be a worry even if the Lions are short-handed up front.

Left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf) and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) all sat out the Bears' practice on Wednesday.

"You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations that you say to yourself," Williams said. "With that, it makes the days better, it makes when you're going through a tough patch, it makes those days a little bit easier rather than pulling yourself down, telling yourself you're this and that."

Detroit has won four of five against Chicago overall, with three of those meetings decided by five points or fewer.

The Lions lead the NFL with an average of 32.8 points per game. Quarterback Jared Goff tied a career best with five touchdown passes against Buffalo. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown while Jahmyr Gibbs contributed rushing and receiving TDs.

Safety Brian Branch (calf) and left guard Graham Glasgow (knee) and didn't practice for the Lions on Wednesday.