Week 2 Preview

By Shawn Lugo

🏈 Bears vs Lions

📍Ford Field 

📅 Sept 14th Noon

Line: Lions -6.5

🏈 Week 2 Preview: Bears at Lions 

 NFC North Clash in Motown

This Week 2 matchup carries plenty of intrigue, especially given the recent history between these two NFC North rivals. All time series Bears lead 105-80-5

The Bears are 4-6 in their last 10 vs Detroit 

Last Season:

In 2024, Detroit swept the season series, including a frustrating,nerve-racking Thanksgiving Day loss for Our Bears. That game proved pivotal in Bears history! As time expired, Caleb Williams' final pass fell incomplete after poor clock management and a sack on the previous play — despite the Bears having a timeout. That sequence was another messy situation that ultimately led directly to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus the very next day.

The second matchup? Detroit dominated the Bears from start to finish.

And now, Ben Johnson returns to Detroit, this time on the opposing sideline, as he leads the Bears in a massive divisional tilt with early-season urgency on both sides.

🦁 What Happened to the Lions in Week 1?

Detroit was embarrassed in Week 1 at Lambeau Field by the Packers. With two new coordinators and several new starters on the offensive line, they looked like a team still trying to find its rhythm.

Offense: Jared Goff threw 39 times, completing 31 passes for 225 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. Sam LaPorta led the way with 6 catches for 79 yards, while Amon-Ra St. Brown added 4 receptions for 45 yards.

Run Game: Nearly non-existent — just 46 yards on 22 carries (2.1 YPC) between David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Defense: Jack Campbell led with 9 tackles, but Aidan Hutchinson didn’t register a stat. Safety Brian Branch remains the biggest X-factor—the Bears must account for him on every snap.

🐻 Bears in Week 1: Flashes of Potential, But Too Many Mistakes

Despite the loss, Caleb Williams showed promise in his NFL debut:

Passing: 21-of-35 for 210 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: 6 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD

But his fourth quarter struggles helped seal Chicago’s fate. Going into Week 2, the focus for Caleb is clear:

Get the ball out on time

Hit the easy throws (the “layups”)

Play with anticipation

Most importantly: play clean, disciplined football

On defense, the Bears gave up 27 points but looked solid up front. The front seven tallied three sacks, with newcomer Dayo Odeyingbo and second-year standout Gervon Dexter Sr. each contributing with a sack.

Big storyline:

Chicago hopes to get Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and TJ Edwards back for Week 2. All were inactive in Week 1 and could make a significant impact, especially against Goff and LaPorta over the middle.

🔑 My Keys to the Game

Red Zone Execution – Both teams moved the ball last week but struggled to finish drives.

Turnover Battle – Which defense can steal a possession?

Injury Watch – Can the Bears’ secondary get healthy?

Discipline – Both teams are adjusting to new coaching wrinkles. The cleaner team wins.

The Prediction 

📍 Home Field Advantage

Detroit’s offense may find more rhythm at home, and their defensive speed—particularly in the second level—matches up well against Caleb’s legs and Chicago’s short passing game.

Ben Johnson getting an opportunity to provide an early spark for the Chicago Bears by stunning his former team. Chicago will have its moments, but we’re predicting a rebound performance from the Lions’ rushing attack and their defense."

A hard-fought game, but Detroit squeaks it out at home in a matchup with big early-season stakes.

🔮 Final Score Prediction:

Lions 27, Bears 24