Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions Prediction and Picks – September 14, 2025
Use Code WWWC Week 2 of the NFL season brings an NFC North showdown as the Chicago Bears visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 14. Both teams are chasing their first win, with extra intrigue in the head coaching matchup.
Chicago’s new coach, Ben Johnson, spent 2019–2024 on Detroit’s staff, including three years as offensive coordinator, before taking the Bears’ job this offseason. Just two weeks into his tenure, he now faces the roster he helped turn into a playoff team and Super Bowl hopeful.
In Week 1, the Bears opened with a 27-24 loss to Minnesota, while the Lions fell 27-13 at Green Bay.
As both teams look to establish new identities for the season, can Johnson deliver a statement win against his former team, or will Detroit bounce back at home?
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Ben Johnson’s Bears fell to the Vikings
The Bears showed progress early last Monday night, despite their Week 1 loss to Minnesota. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 58 yards. DJ Moore remained his top target with five catches for 68 yards, and D’Andre Swift contributed 53 yards on the ground. The offense showed flashes under new coach Ben Johnson, but they didn't finish well.
The Chicago offensive line showed improvement after allowing an NFL-worst 68 sacks last season. Against the Vikings, the line gave up only two sacks while helping Chicago win the time-of-possession battle (32:53 to 27:07) and outgain Minnesota 317 to 254. However, 12 penalties for 127 yards proved costly.
Defensively, Noah Sewell led the way with nine tackles, and corner Nahshon Wright provided a highlight by returning an interception for a touchdown in the losing effort.
Lions struggle in opener
The Lions are adjusting to life without both Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is now the head coach of the New York Jets. Week 1 showed how much those losses might matter, as Detroit fell 27-13 at Green Bay.
Quarterback Jared Goff completed 31 of 39 passes for 225 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Packers, but the Lions were just 1-for-4 in the red zone. Penalties and a sputtering run game stalled momentum. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for only 44 yards on 20 carries, an average of 2.2 yards per attempt. Tight end Sam LaPorta was the top weapon with 79 receiving yards, while Amon-Ra St. Brown added steady production.
On defense, Jack Campbell paced the unit with 10 tackles and Derrick Barnes contributed six. Detroit, however, failed to record a sack and allowed Jordan Love to throw for 188 yards and two scores on 22 attempts. For a team built on strength in the trenches, averaging 2.1 yards per rush while giving up four sacks raised concerns, and with Baltimore on the schedule for Week 3, the Lions can’t afford to fall to 0-2.
Bears vs. Lions Pick
Spread Pick Bears vs Lions
- Bears +5.5
The line reflects Detroit’s home-field advantage, but Chicago’s Week 1 showing suggests it can keep this game close. Williams’ mobility and poise give the Bears a dynamic edge, and Johnson’s knowledge of Detroit’s tendencies may help Chicago’s defense. Penalties are a concern, but the offensive line looked solid, and the Bears already proved they can outgain a divisional opponent. With Detroit still finding its footing, catching more than a field goal makes the Bears an appealing play.
Total Prediction for Bears vs. Lions
- Over 44.5
Neither team clicked offensively in Week 1, but the potential for points is clear. Chicago has balance with Williams’ arm and legs, while Detroit boasts proven playmakers in St. Brown, LaPorta and Gibbs. Both defenses allowed key breakdowns, and with penalties and missed assignments likely extending drives, opportunities for points should follow. Expect a bounce-back effort from Detroit’s offense and enough spark from Williams to push this game past the total.
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