Last season in Soldier Field was a nightmare for the Detroit Lions, who suffered a stinging defeat to the Chicago Bears, ending in a 28-13 mismatch. However, the Lions turned this setback into motivation, leading to one of the most remarkable seasons in franchise history. As they gear up for their Week 16 showdown, there's every reason to believe the Lions can enact some payback.

Both teams are desperate for victory following recent losses. The Bears are in a tailspin with a nine-game losing streak, and now have an interim coach steering the ship since the last matchup. In stark contrast, the Lions have managed to avoid consecutive losses—a remarkable feat considering they broke a five-game losing streak back in Week 9 of 2022.

With playoff aspirations on the line, the Lions must finish the season strong to secure the top seed in the NFC and the NFC North title. A win against the Bears in the potential chill of Chicago is essential for their goals.

Get Off to a Fast Start

Coach Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of shaking off the loss to the Bills, where a slow start dug a significant hole for the Lions. Though they led the Thanksgiving matchup against the Bears 16-0 at halftime, they settled for field goals that left points on the board.

The Bears' defense recently falters in the first half, allowing an average of 12.4 points per game this season (ranking 20th in the NFL), and even worse, 17.7 points per game in their last three outings (the last in the league). On the flip side, the Lions boast the best first-half offense in the NFL, scoring an impressive 18.1 points per game. Meanwhile, the Bears’ offense has stagnated, scoring only 6.9 points per game in the first half of recent contests, going scoreless in their last three.

Given the injuries in the Lions' defense, there's little chance that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears will keep pace in the opening half.

Protecting the Quarterback

Lions' quarterback Jared Goff is on fire, showcasing great efficiency and distributing the ball effectively. After a stellar performance against the Bills, Goff looks to exploit a Bears defense that has allowed a staggering 34 points per game in their last two outings.

To unleash his potential, Goff needs solid protection. The Lions' offensive line allowed a 39.1% pressure rate against Buffalo, their third highest this season, and a 41.7% rate against the Bears previously. If they want Goff to thrive, their pass protection must be better—especially as they might start Christian Mahogany or Kayode Awosika at left guard if Graham Glasgow cannot play.

The Bears, despite their overall struggles, have been good at generating pressure, leading the NFL with a 40.8% pressure rate since Week 7. Still, they fall short on converting that pressure into sacks, with a measly 14% conversion rate.

To help contain the Bears' pressure, the Lions should utilize play-action passes. Despite a dip in usage against the Bills, the Lions have pioneered the league in play-action rate this season. The Bears have allowed an alarming 9.0 yards per pass on these plays, ranking them 30th in the league and positioning the Lions' offense for potential huge gains.

Caleb Williams: The Rookie Roller Coaster

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has faced ups and downs this season, with moments of brilliance occasionally overshadowed by inefficiency. His best game came during the second half against the Lions, but full consistency has evaded him.

Williams has struggled especially on downfield throws, achieving only a 36.1% completion rate on passes over ten yards. The Lions defense has been adept at defending such attempts, limiting opponents to a 42.7% completion percentage on similar throws throughout the season.

Despite his lack of success, Williams managed to toss two touchdowns on downfield passes in their Thanksgiving matchup, albeit with a disappointing completion rate. The Lions will need to find ways to contain Williams' downfield threats to secure a decisive victory.

As the Lions aim to sweep the Bears in the Windy City, these critical match-ups could define their path towards the playoffs and showcase the resilience of a team that has rallied from the depths of despair. Will history repeat itself, or will the change bring about a new era for both franchises? Tune in to find out!