NFL sets stage for Ben Johnson to twist the knife in Lions not once, but twice

The Chicago Bears' 2025 schedule has officially been released, and we know exactly when the Bears will be hosting the Detroit Lions.

Over the last two seasons, the Lions have emerged as not only the best team in the NFC North, but one of the best teams in the NFL. One of the parties responsible for that success was Ben Johnson. During his time as the Lions' offensive coordinator, Johnson emerged as the top head coaching candidate in the NFL.

After turning down head coach offers after his first two seasons as the Lions' offensive coordinator, Johnson couldn't pass up the opportunity for a third time this offseason. The opportunity, of course, is coming with the Bears.

The games against the Lions will define Ben Johnson's first season as Bears' head coach

The scheduling of the the Bears' games against the Lions couldn't be better. Johnson and the Bears will be greeting the Lions for their home opener in Detroit during Week 2 of the NFL season. After that, the Bears and Lions will play each other at Soldier Field to end the 2025 season.

Bears fans are already dreaming of Johnson not only ruining the Lions' home opener, but also being the reason why Detroit fans end their season on a sour note. There is no better way for Johnson to get the last laugh over his final team.

Looking past the Johnson element, the games against the Lions will be an important litmus test for the Bears this season. The Bears are no strangers to winning the offseason, and in past years, teams like the Lions have laughed at that honor during the regular season. This offseason, it felt like the Bears took a page out of the Lions' playbook and and an emphasis on improving the trenches. An impressive showing against the Lions this season would truly signal the Bears being headed in the right direction.