UPDATE: Lions coach Dan Campbell has confirmed that he intends to play his starters against the Chicago Bears this Sunday, January 7, 2024, despite the Lions being eliminated from playoff contention. This decision could significantly impact the Bears’ playoff seeding, making the game critical for their postseason aspirations.
The Detroit Lions, currently standing at 8-8, may not be vying for the playoffs, but Campbell stated, “We’re not playing for the playoffs, but there’s still things we can find out.” His comments suggest that while he plans to field a competitive team, he may still make last-minute adjustments as the week progresses.
The Bears are in a pivotal position, currently holding the No. 2 seed in the NFC. A victory this Sunday will secure their position, or they could fall to third if the Philadelphia Eagles win against the Washington Commanders. A home playoff game in the divisional round hinges on this matchup, amplifying its importance for Chicago.
In a press conference, Campbell acknowledged the state of his roster, noting, “We’re pretty riddled right now,” especially concerning injuries. Top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who previously torched the Bears for 115 yards and three touchdowns in their 52-21 victory earlier in the season, is dealing with a knee injury. While his status remains uncertain, Campbell indicated that St. Brown’s health is improving and that, “He wants to go.”
The urgency of the situation is palpable as Bears quarterback Caleb Williams emphasized the team’s commitment, stating, “We want to give ourselves the best chances. We’ll get ready for this game just like any other game. We want to bring it to them.”
With the stakes high for the Bears and Campbell’s potential changes looming, all eyes will be on the game this Sunday. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Lions will leverage their opportunity to play spoiler or if the Bears will capitalize on their home-field advantage as they push for a strong playoff position.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach this critical matchup in the NFC.
