While the Detroit Lions of last season might've justified the rolling out of the red carpet by FOX Sports, it's the Chicago Bears' resurgence in 2025 that'll have the Lions playing guest to a star-studded broadcasting crew in Week 18.
When the Lions head to Soldier Field for their final game of a disappointing 2025 campaign, they'll be greeted by the Bears and FOX Sports' best broadcasting crew. This includes Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Erin Andrews, and Tom Rinaldi. While Brady had a ridiculously rough start to his broadcasting career, he's slowly grown into one of the network's better color commentators.
This crew will be on hand to call the Bears' game against the Lions, where they'll be trying to get revenge for an absolute lashing handed out by Detroit in Week 2 of this season. So much has changed since then, with Chicago now firmly in first place in the NFC North, and with Detroit set to potentially land in 4th place thanks to a sweep handed down by the Minnesota Vikings this year.
Lions set to play second fiddle to Bears, FOX Sports' No. 1 crew
It's an uncomfortable position for the Lions, being the obviously weaker team between the two suiting up in Week 18. But, that's just how the cards have fallen for Detroit, and now, they have an opportunity to do something it hasn't felt like they're capable of all season for this final game: play the spoiler.
While the Bears have already clinched the division and a postseason spot, it could be a fun final bit of revenge on Ben Johnson to get the win on the road despite the odds being completely stacked against them. It all really depends on how healthy the offensive line is for this contest, as we saw what could happen if they're not in Week 17 against the Vikings.
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Caleb Williams is an extremely mobile quarterback who has improved steadily over these last 17 weeks of action, but it's been the Bears' run game that's helped them win games and put points on the board this season. If Detroit can stop the run effectively while the offense manages to poke holes in Chicago's defensive line, they could walk away with a sweep and finish up the year with an above .500 record.
It, again, wouldn't make any difference for the Bears if they win or lose. But, pride is on the line, which Lions are all about, right?