After dropping a huge Week 14 bout to the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears find themselves taking a huge step back in the NFC North. They're now in a direct competition with the Detroit Lions within the division to snag second place, at least, and to snag one last spot in the NFC playoff.
The Lions' schedule is tough, with their next contest coming against the NFC's best - the Los Angeles Rams. If they can win that contest, fans are likely to feel very good about the Lions' shot at still making the postseason despite losing their divisional reign. And, that would offer up a golden opportunity to get revenge against the Packers for the two losses they suffered this season against them.
But, the Packers will have to wait for that comeuppance. First up for revenge if the Lions' do win Week 15? The Bears and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Lions have the perfect shot at revenge in Week 18
Detroit's final contest against Chicago will be in Week 18, their final game of the regular season. By then, we'll have a really clear picture of what's needed for the Lions to make the postseason, if they haven't clinched by that point. This could end up being a pivotal matchup, with the winner potentially boosting their odds of making the postseason to a sure-thing.
Johnson commented in recent weeks that the Bears are winning "in spite of" Caleb Williams and their passing game, and not because of it. That's not exactly a vote of confidence in the teams' quarterback, and an offense that has struggled quietly behind five wins in their last six contests.
“We gotta fundamentally be correct. The primary receiver, when he’s open, we’ve got to make sure we hit him. And then, all of our pass catchers, we just harped on it today, we need to be more disciplined in our route detail. It’s not where it needs to be. Our depth’s not proper all the time. Our steps [aren’t]. Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up. It’s not where it needs to be. We’re, not because of it and none of us are pleased with that right now.”
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On the flip side, the Lions have been literally up and down since losing several key cogs to their offense and defense, such as Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, and now Brian Branch. Going on a five-game winning streak isn't impossible, but the one game that they could feasibly struggle in comes in Week 15 against the Rams. Losing that contest makes their next four games beyond must-wins.
Since Detroit already handedly defeated Chicago earlier this season in what was likely their best all around game of the year, they are winning in the win-loss head to head matchup against Johnson and the Bears. Another win, and the Lions finish up 2-0 against them and win in any tiebreaker scenario against the Bears.
Getting a win in the final game of the regular season over the former offensive coordinator who specifically wanted to join another NFC North opponent would be almost too scripted. And yet, that's where the Lions' current season is headed.