Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
The chicago bears vs detroit lions match player stats from the January 4, 2026 NFL meeting tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. Detroit defeated Chicago 19-16 in a Week 18 game at Chicago, but the statistical profile shows a contest that changed dramatically after halftime. The Lions controlled the scoreboard through the first three quarters, while the Bears produced all 16 of their points in the fourth quarter and turned what had been a comfortable Detroit advantage into a one-score finish.
Detroit entered the game with a 9-8 record and a 4-5 road mark, while Chicago came in at 11-6 with a 6-2 home record. Those records provide useful context, but the individual performances explain how the game actually unfolded.
Jared Goff led Detroit’s passing attack with 27 completions on 42 attempts for 331 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His 7.9 yards per attempt showed that Detroit consistently moved the ball through the air. On the other side, Caleb Williams completed 20 of 33 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The rushing numbers also favored Detroit. Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 19 times for 80 yards, while the Lions finished with 122 rushing yards on 27 attempts. Chicago managed 65 rushing yards on 18 carries, with D’Andre Swift leading the team with 40 yards.
The receiving statistics provide another important layer. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 11 passes for 139 yards on 15 targets, giving Detroit a major source of offensive production. For Chicago, Colston Loveland recorded 10 receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets.
These numbers make the game especially useful for anyone studying individual production, quarterback efficiency, receiving volume, rushing efficiency and defensive activity.
Game Overview and Final Score
Detroit Lions 19, Chicago Bears 16 was the final result on January 4, 2026.
The scoring distribution is one of the most important details in the box score.
| Quarter | Detroit Lions | Chicago Bears |
| First | 3 | 0 |
| Second | 10 | 0 |
| Third | 3 | 0 |
| Fourth | 3 | 16 |
| Final | 19 | 16 |
Detroit scored in every quarter, while Chicago did not get on the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
That difference is significant because it explains why Chicago’s late offensive surge was not enough to change the result. The Bears produced 16 points in the final quarter, but Detroit had already built a 16-0 lead through three quarters.
From a statistical perspective, the game can therefore be divided into two very different phases.
The first three quarters were dominated by Detroit’s ability to maintain its scoring advantage. The fourth quarter became a completely different game, with Chicago generating its entire offensive scoring total in a short period.
This is why looking only at the final 19-16 score can hide the actual flow of the contest.
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats: Passing
The quarterback numbers provide one of the clearest statistical comparisons.
Jared Goff’s Performance
Jared Goff completed 27 of 42 attempts for 331 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
His statistical line included:
| Passing Statistic | Jared Goff |
| Completions | 27 |
| Attempts | 42 |
| Completion Percentage | 64.3% |
| Passing Yards | 331 |
| Yards per Attempt | 7.9 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 2 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 15 |
| QBR | 66.4 |
| Passer Rating | 86.5 |
Goff’s 331 passing yards were a major part of Detroit’s offensive production. He attempted 42 passes and completed 27, giving him a completion rate of approximately 64.3%.
The 7.9 yards per attempt figure is also notable. It indicates that Detroit was not simply relying on short completions to accumulate yardage. The passing game generated meaningful yardage across the afternoon.
Goff did throw one interception and was sacked twice for a total loss of 15 yards. Those plays prevented the passing performance from being completely clean.
Still, the overall volume was substantial. His 331 passing yards accounted for the bulk of Detroit’s 331 total receiving yards listed in the provided data.
Caleb Williams’ Performance
Caleb Williams completed 20 of 33 attempts for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
| Passing Statistic | Caleb Williams |
| Completions | 20 |
| Attempts | 33 |
| Completion Percentage | 60.6% |
| Passing Yards | 212 |
| Yards per Attempt | 6.4 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Sack Yards Lost | 7 |
| QBR | 56.6 |
| Passer Rating | 86.9 |
Williams completed approximately 60.6% of his passes and averaged 6.4 yards per attempt.
His two touchdown passes were important because Chicago’s entire scoring output came during the fourth quarter. However, the Bears’ passing attack produced fewer total yards than Detroit’s.
Williams also had one interception and was sacked once for seven yards.
One interesting detail is that the two quarterbacks had similar passer ratings despite producing different statistical profiles. Goff generated considerably more passing yardage, while Williams threw twice as many touchdown passes.
That difference demonstrates why one statistic rarely explains an entire quarterback performance.
Rushing Production
The rushing numbers favored Detroit by a significant margin.
The Lions recorded 27 rushing attempts for 122 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Chicago had 18 rushing attempts for 65 yards, averaging 3.6 yards per carry.
That creates a difference of 57 rushing yards in Detroit’s favor.
Jahmyr Gibbs Leads Detroit
Jahmyr Gibbs was Detroit’s leading rusher.
He finished with:
- 19 carries
- 80 rushing yards
- 4.2 yards per carry
- 0 rushing touchdowns
- 14-yard longest run
Gibbs handled 19 of Detroit’s 27 rushing attempts. That means he accounted for a substantial share of the Lions’ rushing workload.
Although he did not score a rushing touchdown, his 80 yards helped Detroit maintain offensive balance.
The Lions’ total of 122 rushing yards was particularly useful because it prevented their offense from becoming entirely dependent on Goff’s passing production.
D’Andre Swift Leads Chicago
D’Andre Swift led Chicago’s rushing attack.
His numbers were:
- 10 carries
- 40 yards
- 4.0 yards per carry
- 0 touchdowns
- 10-yard longest run
Swift’s 40 yards represented a large portion of Chicago’s 65 rushing yards.
However, Chicago’s overall 3.6 yards per carry was lower than Detroit’s 4.5.
The difference of 0.9 yards per attempt may look small, but over multiple rushing attempts it contributed to Detroit gaining substantially more ground production.
Receiving Statistics
The receiving data reveals where each quarterback directed the football.
Detroit recorded 27 receptions for 331 yards, one touchdown and 36 targets.
Chicago recorded 20 receptions for 212 yards, two touchdowns and 29 targets.
The difference in receiving yardage was 119 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 139-Yard Game
Amon-Ra St. Brown was the most productive receiver in the provided statistics.
He finished with:
| Statistic | Amon-Ra St. Brown |
| Receptions | 11 |
| Targets | 15 |
| Receiving Yards | 139 |
| Yards per Reception | 12.6 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Long Reception | 30 yards |
St. Brown’s 11 receptions were the highest receiving total listed for either team.
He also received 15 targets, meaning he was involved repeatedly in Detroit’s passing game.
His 139 yards represented more than 40% of Detroit’s 331 receiving yards.
That level of production explains why Goff was able to finish with 331 passing yards despite Detroit scoring only 19 total points.
Colston Loveland’s Chicago Performance
Colston Loveland led Chicago’s receiving group.
He recorded:
- 10 receptions
- 91 receiving yards
- 9.1 yards per reception
- 1 touchdown
- 27-yard longest reception
- 13 targets
Loveland’s 10 receptions were only one behind St. Brown’s total.
His 13 targets also show that he was a major part of Chicago’s offensive approach.
The most important difference was scoring production. Loveland recorded one touchdown, while St. Brown did not.
Chicago’s receiving group as a whole produced two touchdowns from 20 receptions.
Comparing Offensive Production
The offensive statistics show a clear difference between the two teams.
| Category | Detroit | Chicago |
| Passing Yards | 331 | 212 |
| Rushing Attempts | 27 | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 122 | 65 |
| Rushing Average | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Receptions | 27 | 20 |
| Receiving Yards | 331 | 212 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 1 | 2 |
Detroit’s advantage in yardage was substantial.
The Lions produced 331 passing yards compared with Chicago’s 212, a difference of 119 yards.
They also produced 122 rushing yards compared with Chicago’s 65, another 57-yard advantage.
The combined difference in the provided passing and rushing yardage categories is therefore 176 yards.
Yet Chicago scored 16 points in the fourth quarter and finished only three points behind.
That contrast is one of the most interesting aspects of the game.
It demonstrates that yardage and scoring are connected but not identical. A team can produce fewer yards while still generating more points from particular possessions or plays.
Defensive Player Statistics
The defensive totals also show how active both teams were.
Detroit’s defense recorded:
- 56 total tackles
- 30 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 3 tackles for loss
- 5 passes defended
- 4 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Chicago’s defense recorded:
- 75 total tackles
- 48 solo tackles
- 3 sacks
- 3 tackles for loss
- 6 passes defended
- 8 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Chicago recorded more tackles, solo tackles, sacks, passes defended and quarterback hits in the provided defensive totals.
However, those numbers should be interpreted carefully.
More tackles do not automatically mean a defense played better. Tackle totals can increase when an offense runs more plays or completes more short-range passes.
The same principle applies to quarterback hits. They show defensive activity, but they do not by themselves establish the full quality of a defensive performance.
Interceptions
Each team recorded one interception.
Detroit’s interception came from Avonte Maddox.
| Defensive Statistic | Avonte Maddox |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Return Yards | 0 |
| Defensive TDs | 0 |
Chicago’s interception was recorded by Kevin Byard.
| Defensive Statistic | Kevin Byard |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Return Yards | 21 |
| Defensive TDs | 0 |
Byard’s interception produced 21 return yards, while Maddox recorded no return yardage.
Neither interception was returned for a touchdown.
Chicago’s Four-Quarter Defensive Activity
Chicago’s defensive statistics are particularly notable because the Bears recorded three sacks and eight quarterback hits.
That combination indicates that Detroit’s quarterback faced significant pressure at different points.
Goff was officially sacked twice for 15 yards according to the provided passing statistics, while Chicago’s defense recorded three sacks in its overall defensive totals.
This distinction highlights an important box-score lesson: individual and team defensive statistics can be presented differently depending on the statistical category being summarized.
For readers analyzing a game, it is useful to distinguish individual defensive production from team defensive totals instead of assuming every number is interchangeable.
Detroit’s Defensive Contribution
Detroit recorded one sack and four quarterback hits.
The Lions also produced five passes defended and one interception.
While Chicago mounted a 16-point fourth-quarter comeback attempt, Detroit’s defense ultimately held enough to preserve the three-point margin.
The final score therefore reflects an important late-game defensive outcome: Chicago generated considerable fourth-quarter scoring, but Detroit prevented the Bears from completing the comeback.
Special Teams Statistics
Special teams played a meaningful statistical role in the game.
Detroit Kicking
Jake Bates converted four of five field-goal attempts.
| Kicking Statistic | Jake Bates |
| Field Goals | 4/5 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 80.0% |
| Long Field Goal | 42 yards |
| Extra Points | 1/1 |
| Total Points | 13 |
Bates scored 13 of Detroit’s 19 points.
That means his kicking production accounted for more than half of Detroit’s total score.
His four successful field goals were particularly important in a game decided by only three points.
Detroit’s offense produced one touchdown, while Bates supplied the majority of the scoring through field goals and an extra point.
Punting
Jack Fox handled Detroit’s punting duties.
He recorded two punts for 93 yards, averaging 46.5 yards per punt.
His longest punt was 59 yards, and one punt finished inside the 20-yard line.
Chicago’s Tory Taylor punted four times for 178 yards.
His average was 44.5 yards, with a longest punt of 54 yards.
No Chicago punt was recorded as finishing inside the 20 in the provided statistics.
Kick Returns and Punt Returns
Detroit’s Tom Kennedy recorded two kick returns for 40 yards.
His average was 20.0 yards per return, with a longest return of 23 yards.
Chicago’s kick-return duties were shared by Devin Duvernay and Josh Blackwell.
Together, Chicago recorded four kick returns for 106 yards, averaging 26.5 yards per return. The longest return was 30 yards.
On punt returns, Detroit’s Kalif Raymond recorded three returns for 33 yards, averaging 11.0 yards per return.
His longest punt return was 14 yards.
Chicago’s Devin Duvernay recorded one punt return for 15 yards.
The return game therefore gave Chicago a notable contribution in total kick-return yardage, although Detroit’s overall scoring advantage remained intact.
Turnovers and Ball Security
Each team recorded one interception.
Detroit’s defense intercepted one pass, while Chicago also recorded one interception.
Chicago’s Caleb Williams was also credited with one fumble, but the fumble was not lost. The Bears recovered it.
Detroit was listed with no fumbles in the provided data.
This means the turnover picture was relatively balanced when considering interceptions, while Chicago avoided turning its recorded fumble into an additional possession for Detroit.
Turnovers are especially important in close games because a single possession can change field position and scoring opportunities.
In this matchup, neither team produced a defensive touchdown from its interception.
Why the Fourth Quarter Matters
The most striking feature of the scoreboard was Chicago’s fourth-quarter scoring burst.
The Bears entered the final quarter having scored zero points.
They then scored 16 points in the fourth.
Detroit, meanwhile, added another three points during the final quarter.
The final-quarter scoring was therefore:
Detroit 3, Chicago 16.
That 13-point difference explains how Chicago transformed the game from a shutout-style situation into a three-point contest.
However, the earlier quarters remained decisive.
Detroit scored 3 points in the first quarter, 10 in the second and 3 in the third. That produced a 16-0 advantage before Chicago’s fourth-quarter rally.
From a game-statistics perspective, this is an important reminder that late scoring can dramatically change the final margin without changing which team controlled most of the game.
What the Player Stats Reveal
The chicago bears vs detroit lions match player stats provide several useful takeaways beyond the final result.
1. Detroit’s passing volume was much higher
Goff attempted 42 passes compared with Williams’ 33.
The difference of nine attempts helped Detroit accumulate significantly more passing yardage.
2. Detroit also had the stronger rushing output
The Lions gained 122 yards on 27 carries.
Chicago gained 65 yards on 18 carries.
Detroit therefore had advantages in both major yardage categories supplied in the data.
3. St. Brown was a major offensive target
St. Brown received 15 targets and caught 11 passes for 139 yards.
His involvement was one of the clearest individual statistical stories from the game.
4. Loveland produced Chicago’s receiving touchdown
Loveland caught 10 passes for 91 yards and one touchdown.
His 13 targets made him one of Chicago’s most frequently involved offensive players.
5. Bates was responsible for 13 Detroit points
Four successful field goals and one extra point gave Bates 13 points.
That made his kicking performance central to Detroit’s 19-point total.
6. Chicago’s defense created more pressure in the provided totals
Chicago recorded three sacks and eight quarterback hits.
Detroit recorded one sack and four quarterback hits.
The difference shows that Chicago generated more listed defensive pressure despite ultimately losing the game.
Understanding the Box Score Correctly
A box score is most useful when individual statistics are placed into context.
For example, Chicago’s defense recorded 75 tackles compared with Detroit’s 56. That does not automatically mean Chicago’s defense stopped Detroit more effectively.
Likewise, Williams threw two touchdown passes compared with Goff’s one. That does not by itself mean Williams generated more passing production.
The larger statistical picture shows Goff passing for 331 yards, compared with 212 for Williams.
The same principle applies to rushing.
Gibbs finished with 80 rushing yards, while Swift had 40. But Detroit’s full rushing unit reached 122 yards, compared with Chicago’s 65.
Looking at both individual and team statistics gives readers a more accurate understanding of how the game developed.
Key Player Stat Summary
Here is a condensed view of the most important individual performances.
| Player | Team | Key Production |
| Jared Goff | Detroit | 27/42, 331 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Caleb Williams | Chicago | 20/33, 212 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Detroit | 19 carries, 80 yards |
| D’Andre Swift | Chicago | 10 carries, 40 yards |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Detroit | 11 receptions, 139 yards |
| Colston Loveland | Chicago | 10 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD |
| Jake Bates | Detroit | 4/5 FG, 1/1 XP, 13 points |
| Avonte Maddox | Detroit | 1 interception |
| Kevin Byard | Chicago | 1 interception, 21 return yards |
This table captures the main statistical contributors without reducing the game to a single performance.
The Most Important Statistical Differences
Several numbers stand out when the teams are compared directly.
Passing yards: Detroit led 331-212.
Rushing yards: Detroit led 122-65.
Rushing average: Detroit averaged 4.5 yards per carry compared with Chicago’s 3.6.
Receiving receptions: Detroit had 27 compared with Chicago’s 20.
Receiving yards: Detroit had 331 compared with Chicago’s 212.
Receiving touchdowns: Chicago had two compared with Detroit’s one.
Sacks: Chicago recorded three compared with Detroit’s one.
Quarterback hits: Chicago recorded eight compared with Detroit’s four.
Interceptions: Both teams recorded one.
These differences illustrate how Detroit could control the statistical yardage categories while Chicago still remained competitive enough to make the fourth quarter highly consequential.
Why the Final 19-16 Score Can Be Misleading
A three-point final margin often suggests an evenly balanced game from beginning to end.
The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows something different.
Detroit led 16-0 after three quarters.
Chicago then scored 16 points in the fourth quarter.
Detroit scored only three points in the final quarter, but that was enough because the Lions had already established the necessary margin.
The game was therefore close on the final scoreboard but not evenly distributed across all four quarters.
This distinction matters for readers who use game statistics to understand team performance rather than simply looking up the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Bears vs Lions game?
The Detroit Lions defeated the Chicago Bears 19-16 on January 4, 2026, during Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season.
Who was the leading passer in the game?
Jared Goff led all passing production with 331 yards on 27 completions from 42 attempts. He threw one touchdown and one interception.
Who led the game in rushing?
Jahmyr Gibbs was Detroit’s leading rusher with 19 carries for 80 yards. D’Andre Swift led Chicago with 10 carries for 40 yards.
Who led the game in receiving?
Amon-Ra St. Brown led the game with 11 receptions for 139 yards on 15 targets. Colston Loveland led Chicago with 10 receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown.
Which team had more rushing yards?
Detroit had 122 rushing yards on 27 carries, while Chicago had 65 rushing yards on 18 carries.
How many points did Jake Bates score?
Jake Bates scored 13 points for Detroit. He made four of five field-goal attempts and converted his only extra-point attempt.
Conclusion
The chicago bears vs detroit lions match player stats from January 4, 2026 show a game defined by strong Detroit production over the first three quarters and a dramatic Chicago response in the fourth.
Jared Goff’s 331 passing yards and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 139 receiving yards were central to Detroit’s offensive production. Jahmyr Gibbs added 80 rushing yards, helping the Lions finish with 122 rushing yards.
Chicago received a strong receiving contribution from Colston Loveland, who caught 10 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Williams added two touchdown passes, while D’Andre Swift led the Bears in rushing with 40 yards.
The defensive statistics were also notable. Chicago recorded three sacks and eight quarterback hits, while both teams intercepted one pass. Special teams played a particularly important role for Detroit because Jake Bates accounted for 13 of the Lions’ 19 points.
Ultimately, the statistics show why the final score needs context. Detroit accumulated substantially more passing and rushing yardage, but Chicago’s 16-point fourth quarter turned the contest into a three-point finish. The combination of early scoring, offensive yardage, defensive pressure and late-game scoring makes this Week 18 matchup a useful example of why individual player statistics and quarter-by-quarter data should be examined together.
