The Detroit Lions (8-8) and Chicago Bears (11-5) meet in NFL Week 18 on Sunday, Jan. 4. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The game will broadcast live on FOX.
The Bears are 4-point favorites on the spread (Bears -4), with the over/under set at 51.5. Chicago is a -210 favorite on the moneyline, while Detroit is a +175 underdog.
Let's get into my Lions vs Bears predictions for today's NFC North battle.
Lions vs Bears Predictions, Picks
- Lions vs Bears pick: Lions Moneyline (+164)
My Lions vs Bears best bet is on Detroit moneyline. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Lions vs Bears Odds
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 51.5 -110o / -110u | +175 |
| Bears Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 51.5 -110o / -110u | -210 |
Lions vs Bears Preview
Let’s start with the narrative around Jared Goff playing outdoors.
Yes, Goff and the Lions' offense looked awful last week, but that came against a Vikings defense that’s been among the league’s best over the last six weeks. Even the Raiders have been a tough out recently, so it’s not a total shock to see Detroit stumble.
Today, the Bears present a far softer landing, especially for a Lions team that’s been at their best whenever they are counted out.
Motivation is a big question on both sides.
The Bears are in a weird spot: there’s a tiny chance they could improve their playoff seeding, but it’s unlikely, and there’s every reason to be cautious with banged-up starters like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
The Eagles, who could impact the Bears’ seeding, are resting starters (namely, Jalen Hurts), further muddying Chicago’s incentive to push all-in. Meanwhile, for the Bears, the dream of the No. 2 seed is alive if they win and Philadelphia loses.
Lions offensive coordinator John Morton’s offense is built to keep attacking, and this group is prideful enough to want to play spoiler and bounce back after last week’s embarrassment.
Injuries are certainly worth tracking. Amon-Ra St. Brown may be a true game-time call, but even if he sits, the Lions have options.
Kalif Raymond is motivated by contract incentives and could see a bump in usage; Jameson Williams and Raymond together are still a dynamic duo for Goff.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery provide a strong backfield, and Detroit has no reason to rest healthy starters.
The Bears defense, meanwhile, continues to be susceptible to explosive plays and high-scoring games that come down to the wire. They just surrendered 42 points to a 49ers’ team missing key offensive weapons, and their physicality is nowhere near what Detroit brings to the table when the Lions are at their best.
Even if both teams go full strength, the Lions’ edge in talent and motivation gives them the upper hand.
Lions vs Bears Prediction, Moneyline Pick
This is the type of spot where Detroit has historically shown up, especially once the pressure is off and the stakes are more about pride and momentum than playoff positioning.
With Dan Campbell still scheming to the best of his ability with no playoff tricks to hide, and a roster that still wants to finish strong, the Lions are in a great spot to deliver as underdogs in Week 18.
In a matchup filled with motivational and injury uncertainty, the value is all on Detroit’s side.
The Lions still have the physical edge, offensive firepower, and the right coaching approach to win outright, especially against a Bears team that’s likely to be cautious, coming off another defensive collapse.
Pick: Lions Moneyline (+140)
Lions vs Bears Betting Trends
Lions vs Bears Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Soldier Field |
| Date: | Sunday, Jan. 4 |
| Time: | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | FOX |
For the latest on NFL injuries, be sure to check out our NFL Injury Report page.
