The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats have one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the NFL, dating back to 1930 when the Lions were still the Portsmouth Spartans. This NFC North clash is always a highlight for fans, with both teams bringing intensity, passion, and pride to the field. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent matchups, focusing on key performances, standout moments, and what the numbers tell us about this fierce rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the game, we’ll keep it simple, engaging, and packed with insights to help you understand the action.
A Brief History of the Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry
Before diving into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Bears and Lions have faced off 190 times since 1930, with Chicago leading the all-time series 105-80-5. These teams meet twice a season, and the games are often close, physical battles that showcase the heart of the Midwest. From Soldier Field in Chicago to Ford Field in Detroit, the rivalry is a tradition that brings out the best (and sometimes the worst) in both teams.
Recent games, like the ones in the 2024 season, have been particularly exciting, with the Lions showing dominance and the Bears fighting to reclaim their edge. Let’s look at the player stats from their two 2024 matchups—Thanksgiving Day (November 28) and Week 16 (December 22)—to see who shined and what the numbers reveal.
Game 1: Thanksgiving Day Showdown (November 28, 2024)
The Thanksgiving Day game at Ford Field was a nail-biter, with the Lions edging out the Bears 23-20. This game was a classic example of the rivalry’s intensity, with both teams trading blows and the outcome decided in the final seconds. Let’s break down the key player performances.
Detroit Lions: Offensive Standouts
-
Jared Goff (Quarterback): Goff was steady under pressure, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and throwing 2 touchdowns. His passer rating was a solid 100.2, showing his ability to manage the game despite a tough Bears defense. Goff’s connection with his receivers kept the Lions in control for much of the game.
-
David Montgomery (Running Back): Facing his former team, Montgomery ran with purpose, racking up 88 yards on 21 carries. His physical, north-south running style wore down the Bears’ defense, especially in short-yardage situations.
-
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver): St. Brown was Goff’s go-to target, hauling in 5 receptions for 73 yards. His quickness and precise route-running made him a constant threat against Chicago’s secondary.
-
Sam LaPorta (Tight End): LaPorta caught 2 touchdown passes, proving to be a reliable red-zone target. His 6 receptions for 70 yards showed his growing chemistry with Goff.
Chicago Bears: Offensive Standouts
-
Caleb Williams (Quarterback): The rookie quarterback had a breakout second half, finishing with 20 of 39 passes for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning a 97.8 passer rating. Williams avoided interceptions, marking the first time in his career he threw three touchdowns without a pick. His ability to extend plays with his legs (34 yards on 6 carries) kept the Bears in the game.
-
DJ Moore (Wide Receiver): Moore led the Bears’ receiving corps with 8 catches for 97 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to make contested catches was crucial in keeping Chicago competitive.
-
Cole Kmet (Tight End): Kmet was a reliable target, especially on third downs and in the red zone, catching 5 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive and Special Teams Highlights
-
Lions Defense: The Lions’ defensive line was relentless, recording 5 sacks on Caleb Williams. DJ Reader led with 2 sacks, while the unit as a whole reached the 30-sack mark for the season, a testament to their pressure-heavy approach.
-
Bears Defense: Chicago’s defense deserves credit for holding the Lions to just two field goals in the second half after a 16-0 halftime deficit. Gervon Dexter Sr. had a sack and 3 solo tackles, disrupting Detroit’s rhythm in the red zone.
-
Special Teams: Detroit’s Jake Bates made 3 field goals in the first half, while Chicago’s Cairo Santos was perfect, hitting 2 of 2 field goals. Lions punter Jack Fox averaged 46.8 yards per punt, pinning the Bears deep twice.
Key Moment
The game’s turning point came in the final 36 seconds. With the Bears in Lions territory and a chance to tie or win, a sack on Williams with 32 seconds left led to poor clock management. Chicago failed to use their timeout, forcing Williams to throw a desperation pass to Rome Odunze that fell incomplete. This blunder cost the Bears a chance at a game-tying field goal and led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus the next day.
Game 2: Week 16 at Soldier Field (December 22, 2024)
The Lions returned to Chicago in Week 16 and delivered a more decisive 34-17 victory, completing the season sweep over the Bears. This game showcased Detroit’s offensive firepower and their ability to capitalize on Chicago’s mistakes. Let’s dive into the stats.
Detroit Lions: Offensive Standouts
-
Jared Goff (Quarterback): Goff was nearly flawless, completing 23 of 32 passes for 336 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions, earning a stellar 137 passer rating. His highlight was an 82-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams and a clever trick play touchdown to Sam LaPorta.
-
Jahmyr Gibbs (Running Back): With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs stepped up, rushing for 109 yards on 23 carries and scoring a 1-yard touchdown. He also caught 4 passes for 45 yards, joining Lions legends Barry Sanders and Billy Sims as the only running backs with 1,500+ scrimmage yards and 15+ touchdowns in a season.
-
Jameson Williams (Wide Receiver): Williams had a career day, catching 5 passes for 143 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown bomb. His speed stretched the Bears’ defense thin, opening up opportunities for others.
-
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Wide Receiver): St. Brown added an 8-yard touchdown catch, finishing with 5 receptions for 73 yards. His ability to find soft spots in the defense was key on third downs.
-
Sam LaPorta (Tight End): LaPorta’s 21-yard touchdown catch on a trick play (where Goff and Gibbs faked a fumble) was a highlight, showcasing Detroit’s creative playcalling. He finished with 6 catches for 70 yards.
Chicago Bears: Offensive Standouts
-
Caleb Williams (Quarterback): Williams showed resilience, completing 26 of 40 passes for 334 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions, with a 107.7 passer rating. He also led the team in rushing with 34 yards on 6 carries, but the Bears’ ground game struggled overall, managing just 59 rushing yards.
-
Keenan Allen (Wide Receiver): Allen had a big day, catching 9 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. His veteran savvy kept drives alive, especially in the second half.
-
Cole Kmet (Tight End): Kmet scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass, finishing with 5 receptions for 50 yards. His 14-play, 70-yard drive in the second quarter was a bright spot for Chicago.
-
Rome Odunze (Wide Receiver): Odunze struggled with ball security, fumbling twice, but still contributed 4 catches for 60 yards. His fumbles led to Lions points, including a 34-yard field goal by Jake Bates.
Defensive and Special Teams Highlights
-
Lions Defense: Detroit forced two fumbles, with Josh Paschal and Jack Campbell recovering one each. Ifeatu Melifonwu added a sack, and the Lions held the Bears to just 59 rushing yards, stifling their ground game.
-
Bears Defense: Chicago’s defense couldn’t stop Detroit’s third-down conversions (7-for-12), but Tremaine Edmunds made a key play, breaking up a pass on fourth-and-3 to force a turnover on downs.
-
Special Teams: Jake Bates was reliable, hitting a 30-yard field goal and a 34-yarder, though he missed a 65-yard attempt at the half. Jack Fox’s punting was effective, with only 4 of his 37 punts on the season going for touchbacks. Chicago’s special teams lacked spark, with no big returns to flip field position.
Key Moment
The Lions’ 82-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Williams in the second quarter gave Detroit a 20-0 lead, setting the tone for the game. Later, the trick play touchdown to LaPorta—where Goff and Gibbs faked a stumble—froze the Bears’ defense and pushed the lead to 34-14, effectively sealing the game.
Comparing the Two Games: Trends and Takeaways
Looking at the stats from both games, a few trends emerge:
-
Lions’ Offensive Dominance: Detroit’s offense was the difference-maker, averaging 28.5 points per game against the Bears. Jared Goff’s consistency (557 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs across both games) and the versatility of Gibbs, Montgomery, Williams, St. Brown, and LaPorta overwhelmed Chicago’s defense. The Lions’ third-down efficiency (7-for-12 in Week 16) kept drives alive and wore down the Bears.
-
Caleb Williams’ Growth: Despite the losses, Williams showed promise, throwing for 590 yards, 5 touchdowns, and no interceptions in the two games. His ability to avoid turnovers and make plays with his legs suggests a bright future, though the Bears need to bolster their offensive line and running game to support him.
-
Turnovers and Mistakes: The Bears’ four turnovers (three fumbles, one poor clock management decision) across the two games were costly, leading to 10 Lions points. Detroit, meanwhile, committed just one turnover (a Montgomery fumble in Game 1).
-
Defensive Pressure: The Lions’ defensive line was a force, recording 6 sacks across both games, while the Bears managed only 1 sack. Detroit’s ability to pressure Williams disrupted Chicago’s rhythm, especially in key moments.
Historical Context: How 2024 Fits into the Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Bears still lead the all-time series 105-80-5, but the Lions have won 5 of the last 6 matchups, signaling a shift in the rivalry’s balance. Since 2015, the Bears have a 9-11 record against Detroit, showing how competitive these games have been. The 2024 season was a high point for the Lions, who set a franchise record with 13 wins and 493 points scored, while the Bears struggled at 4-11.
Historically, the Bears dominated from the 1930s to the 1950s under coach George Halas, but the series has been more even since the 1960s (58-58-1). The only playoff meeting came in 1932, when the Bears won 9-0 in the NFL’s first-ever playoff game. While the Bears have more postseason success (12 NFC Divisional appearances vs. Detroit’s 4), the Lions’ recent surge suggests they’re building a contender.
Why These Stats Matter for Fans
For Bears fans, Caleb Williams’ performance is a silver lining. His 590 passing yards and 5 touchdowns against a tough Lions defense show he’s adapting to the NFL. However, the Bears need to address their running game (just 59 yards in Week 16) and offensive line to compete in the NFC North.
For Lions fans, the 2024 season was historic. Goff’s precision, Gibbs’ explosiveness, and Williams’ big-play ability have made Detroit a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Their 7-0 road record and franchise-record 13 wins highlight a team peaking at the right time.
What’s Next for the Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats?
The Lions (13-2 in 2024) are focused on securing the NFC’s top seed, with tough games against the 49ers and Packers looming. Their balanced offense and aggressive defense make them a playoff favorite. The Bears (4-11), meanwhile, are in rebuild mode. With a new coach and a promising rookie in Williams, they’ll look to bolster their roster in the 2025 offseason to challenge rivals like Detroit.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats in 2024 were a tale of two teams heading in different directions. The Lions’ offensive firepower, led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams, overwhelmed a Bears team still finding its identity. Caleb Williams showed flashes of brilliance, but turnovers and defensive struggles cost Chicago. As this rivalry continues to evolve, the stats tell a story of Detroit’s rise and Chicago’s potential. Whether you’re cheering for the Bears or the Lions, one thing’s certain: this NFC North clash will keep delivering unforgettable moments.