Lions rebound Bears to set up Week 18 matchup against rivals with a playoff spot on the line

Jared Goff threw two of his three touchdown passes to Brock Wright in the first half, and the Detroit Lions beat the Chicago Bears 41-10 on Sunday to stay in playoff contention.

The Lions (8-8) have won seven of nine for a chance to earn a postseason berth for the first time since 2016 before their regular-season finale in Green Bay.

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) reacts after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The Bears (3-13), led by Justin Fields, took two first-quarter leads before collapsing and losing a franchise-record ninth straight game.

Goff completed passes to 10 teammates and an 11th, rookie receiver Jameson Williams, ran for 40 yards on a reverse early in the third quarter to set up Jamaal Williams’ 15th rushing score that gave Detroit a three-touchdown lead.

Jamaal Williams had a career-high 144 rushing yards on 22 carries and D’Andre Swift added 117 yards from scrimmage and two scores.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields battles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields battles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Swift put the Lions ahead for good with a 17-yard TD run early in the second quarter and his 21-yard reception put them ahead by four TDs in the third.

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Goff completed 21 of 29 passes for 255 yards and didn’t throw an interception for the eighth straight game.

Meanwhile, rookie pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson outplayed Fields, forcing two turnovers in the first half.

Fields started strong, rushing for 105 yards in the first quarter alone and throwing a 13-yard touchdown run to Cole Kmet, before Hutchinson recovered his fumble and intercepted his pass in the second quarter.

Fields finished with 132 rushing yards, giving him 1,143 this year. With one game left at home against Minnesota, he has a chance to break the NFL single-season quarterback record of 1,206 yards set by Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson in 2019 during his MVP season.

When Detroit shut down Fields’ ability to run for the final three quarters, he was in trouble. Fields was 7-for-21, completing a season-low 33.3% of his passes for 75 yards.

Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift runs for a 17-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.

Detroit Lions running back D’Andre Swift runs for a 17-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

INJURIES

Bears: OGs Michael Schofield III (knee) and OL Teven Jenkins (neck) were injured during the game, while WR Dante Pettis and DB Jaylon Jones were evaluated for concussions.

Lions: RB Justin Jackson (ribs) and S DeShon Elliott (shoulder) were inactive.

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UNTIL NEXT TIME

Bears: Mercifully close out the season at home against Minnesota next Sunday.

Lions: Play the Packers on the road next Sunday.

By Mitchell G. Patton

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