Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Picks Picks and Prediction for Sunday, January 4, 2026
The Detroit Lions face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on Sunday at 4:25 PM ET, with coverage on FOX. Detroit enters with an 8-8 record after a road loss to Minnesota, while Chicago sits at 11-5 following a high-scoring loss in San Francisco. The Lions have dropped four of their last five games, while the Bears have won three of their last five and remain strong at home with a 6-1 record. Make sure to read this in-depth Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears prediction. Dominate Sunday with our NFL picks for Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Picks prediction. Your winning playbook starts here.
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Detroit Lions Searching for Defensive Stability Late in the Season
The Detroit Lions enter this matchup with an 8-8 record and a 3-5 mark away from home. Detroit averages solid production behind Jared Goff, who has thrown for 4,233 yards with 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Lions' total offense relies heavily on the passing game, supported by Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has 1,262 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs anchors the rushing offense with 1,143 yards on 224 carries and 13 touchdowns, giving Detroit balance.
In the most recent game, the Lions lost 23-10 on the road against Minnesota. Detroit struggled to sustain drives and finished with limited scoring opportunities. The offense failed to keep pace after falling behind early, and the passing attack never found its rhythm. Defensively, Detroit allowed Minnesota to control the game while producing minimal impact plays. Over the last five games, the Lions have allowed 41, 29, 41, and 31 points in four losses, pointing to ongoing issues in total defense and pass defense.
Defensively, Detroit has generated pressure with Aidan Hutchinson, who leads the team with 13.5 sacks. Jack Campbell leads the team with 165 tackles, while Kerby Joseph has 3 interceptions. Even with individual production, Detroit has allowed opponents to pile up points and yards. The Lions have struggled in rush defense and pass defense during this stretch, and the average points allowed has climbed late in the season.
Injuries: Alim McNeill, Abdomen, Questionable Avonte Maddox, Back, Questionable Thomas Harper, Concussion, Questionable Alex Anzalone, Concussion, Questionable Penei Sewell, Ankle, Questionable
Chicago Bears Rely on Home Form and Ball Security
The Chicago Bears come into this matchup with an 11-5 record and a strong 6-1 mark at home. Caleb Williams has performed well this season, throwing for 3,730 yards with 25 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The Bears' offense blends a controlled passing game with a consistent rushing attack led by D’Andre Swift, who has rushed for 1,047 yards and 9 touchdowns. DJ Moore leads the receiving corps with 671 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Chicago is coming off a 42-38 road loss to San Francisco. The Bears' offense moved the ball effectively and stayed aggressive throughout the game, but defensive breakdowns late allowed San Francisco to pull away. Before that loss, Chicago beat Green Bay in overtime and dominated Cleveland 31-3. Over the last five games, the Bears have scored at least 22 points in four contests.
Defensively, Chicago has more consistency than Detroit. Montez Sweat leads the team with 9.5 sacks, and Kevin Byard III has recorded 6 interceptions. Tremaine Edmunds leads the defense with 104 tackles. Chicago has shown the ability to create turnovers and limit mistakes, particularly at home. While the Bears allowed 42 points in the last game, that result stands out compared to recent home performances, where the defense has held opponents under control.
The Bears' total defense has been stronger than Detroit’s over the season, and the pass defense has produced timely interceptions. At Soldier Field, Chicago has been effective at controlling tempo and forcing opposing quarterbacks into mistakes. That home-field advantage matters here against a Lions team that has struggled away from home and enters on a losing streak.
Injuries: Ozzy Trapilo, Knee, Questionable Nick McCloud, Illness, Questionable Josh Blackwell, Shoulder, Questionable Luther Burden III, Quadriceps, Questionable Rome Odunze, Foot, Questionable
Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Picks Pick
Spread Pick for Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Picks
Chicago Bears -3 (5 Units)
Chicago has the stronger overall record, better home-field performances, and the more reliable defense entering this matchup. Detroit’s offense can score, but recent results show difficulty sustaining drives against strong defenses. The Lions have allowed at least 29 points in four of their last five games, while Chicago continues to generate sacks and interceptions. With Caleb Williams protecting the ball and the Bears' running game able to control the clock, Chicago is positioned to cover at home against a Detroit team that has not shown it can play defense late in the season.
Over/Under Pick for Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Picks
Over 50.5 (4 Units)
Both teams have high-end offensive production, and recent trends support a higher-scoring outcome. Detroit’s defense has allowed 41, 29, and 31 points in recent losses, while Chicago just played in a 42-38 game against San Francisco. Jared Goff and Caleb Williams both enter with strong passing numbers, and each team has skill players capable of creating big plays. With Detroit needing offense to stay competitive and Chicago comfortable scoring at home, this total sets up for points on both sides.
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