The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions has a new layer to it after Ben Johnson was hired to be the Bears head coach.
Johnson's departure from the Lions' coaching staff came after Detroit's disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders in the playoffs. Despite Jared Goff having a turnover fest against the Commanders' defense, many Lions fans were quick to point the finger in Johnson's direction for the deflating end to their season.
Now, as the Bears' head coach, Johnson will have the opportunity to get the last laugh on Lions fans. The latest 2025 NFL Schedule leak has the Bears hosting the Lions at Soldier Field in Week 18.
There is no question that the game between the Lions and Bears to end the 2025 season could have some serious playoff implications. Entering the season, the Lions are the clear favorites to win the NFC North. However, Johnson's arrival as the Bears' head coach seems to have ignited renewed interest in the direction Chicago may be headed. Of course, with the Bears hosting the Lions at Soldier Field to end the season, that means Johnson will be returning to Detroit first to play his former team. Given the layers, it would make sense for Johnson's return to Detroit to be a primetime game.
It would seem that the end of the Bears' 2025 schedule will have an emphasis on divisional games. Prior to hosting the Lions at the end of the season, the Bears will also have a home game against the Green Bay Packers on December 20.
Playing their NFC North rivals toward the end of the season may be the best-case scenario for Johnson's Bears. The Bears do have a primetime contest against the Minnesota Vikings to open their season, but chances are they will be a much better team during the closing weeks of the 2025 campaign.