Is winning always the right answer? For the Lions in Week 18, the question isn’t about playoffs — it’s about priorities.
The final game of the regular season often brings clarity. Sometimes it brings chaos. For the Detroit Lions, Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field does a little of both. With playoff positioning already settled, the outcome will not change Detroit’s postseason fate. But make no mistake — a win or a loss carries ripple effects that stretch well beyond Week 18.
For a franchise still building its identity under Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, this game presents a philosophical debate: is momentum more valuable than draft position, or is a short-term loss worth a longer-term gain?
Pros of Winning
The most obvious benefit of a victory is simple — the Lions would end the season on a high note. After weeks of frustration, a win would halt a losing streak and restore some positive energy heading into the offseason. Losing streaks linger. Ending one matters.
A win would also complete a season sweep of the Bears, something Detroit fans never take lightly. Division games are currency in the NFC North, and sweeping Chicago reinforces Detroit’s standing as a team that handles business against familiar foes.
There’s also a personal storyline at play. Campbell would improve to 2-0 against Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a former Lions assistant. While Johnson’s future as a head coach looms, Campbell maintaining the upper hand only strengthens Detroit’s internal continuity narrative.
Quarterback Jared Goff would also benefit from a cold-weather win. Fair or not, questions persist about Goff’s ability to perform outdoors in winter conditions. Winning in Chicago — especially if Goff plays well — would help quiet a narrative that resurfaces every December.
Perhaps most importantly, a victory guarantees the Lions finish with a winning record. That matters for a franchise that not long ago was measuring progress in moral victories. Winning seasons are the new standard in Detroit.
Cons of Winning
Still, winning is not without cost.
A victory would negatively impact Detroit’s draft position, potentially dropping the Lions several spots in April’s first round. In a league built on margins, those few spots can be the difference between landing a blue-chip contributor or settling for the next tier.
Winning would also lock Detroit into a more difficult 2025 schedule. Instead of a fourth-place slate, the Lions would be staring at matchups against the Washington Commanders, Indianapolis Colts, and one of the 49ers, Rams, or Seahawks — a far tougher road.
There’s also the lingering frustration of missed opportunity. Had Detroit beaten Minnesota once or taken care of business against Pittsburgh, this game might have meant a division title. Winning Sunday won’t erase that “what if.”
Pros of Losing
From a long-term perspective, losing has its appeal.
A loss would improve Detroit’s draft position, providing Holmes with additional flexibility. Whether that means selecting earlier or leveraging the pick in a trade, higher draft capital remains a powerful tool.
Losing could also serve as a wake-up call. Campbell and Holmes have built credibility, but this season exposed flaws — defensive inconsistencies, situational lapses, and roster depth concerns. Ending the year on a loss forces honest reflection rather than complacency.
Perhaps the biggest upside is schedule-related. Finishing fourth in the division would place Detroit against fellow fourth-place teams in 2025 — the Titans, Cardinals, and Giants. Recent examples show the benefit: the 49ers, Bears, and Patriots all benefited from fourth-place schedules in prior seasons.
Cons of Losing
But losing carries emotional and psychological weight.
Four straight losses to end the season would raise legitimate concern, regardless of playoff context. Ending the year on a sour note can bleed into the offseason and beyond.
A loss would also leave Detroit 1-5 in NFC North play — an unacceptable mark for a team with division aspirations. Winning the North requires dominance at home and competitiveness on the road. That standard wasn’t met.
Questions about Goff in the cold would only intensify. Another subpar outdoor performance would reinforce doubts the Lions hoped to put to rest.
And finally, losing would even the ledger between Campbell and Johnson at 1-1 — a minor detail, perhaps, but symbolism matters in rivalry games.
The Bottom Line
There is no clean answer. Winning brings pride, momentum, and validation. Losing brings opportunity, reflection, and future leverage.
For the Lions, Sunday isn’t about the standings. It’s about choosing between the comfort of now and the promise of later — a decision that will echo long after the final whistle in Chicago.