The Chicago Bears have embarked on a stunning rise to the top of the NFC in 2025, as first-year head coach Ben Johnson has helped turn the team’s fortunes around in record time. Heading into the team’s Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions, the Bears, with an 11-5 record, are currently the No. 2 seed in their conference.
While Chicago will be squaring off against a Detroit team that has been eliminated from playoff contention, it will be eager to win this game in order to hold onto its current position in the postseason bracket. Johnson is quite familiar with the Lions after spending six seasons with the team prior to joining the Bears, and he knows his defense is going to have its work cut out for it when it comes to slowing down star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Ben Johnson Dishes on Old Friend Amon-Ra St. Brown
During Johnson’s time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, he oversaw the rise of St. Brown, who has quickly turned himself into one of the top wide receivers in the entire league. In his first four seasons, St. Brown earned three Pro Bowl selections and a pair of spots on the All-Pro First Team, as his rapport with Jared Goff under center quickly became very dangerous for opposing defenses.
While the Lions’ offense has struggled in the wake of Johnson’s departure, St. Brown has put together another prolific campaign in 2025. He’s suited up for all 16 of his team’s games, catching 106 passes for 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning himself his fourth-straight Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately for Detroit, that production hasn’t led to many wins this season.
St. Brown has been battling a slew of injuries as of late, and he’s questionable to play in the team’s season finale thanks to ankle and knee ailments. Johnson is expecting him to go, though, even with this game being pointless for the Lions, and he warned the Bears’ defense about what his former player is capable of.
“You could go on and on about that player,” Johnson said of St. Brown. “He brings so many unique qualities to the table … From a standpoint of a receiver, strong, quick, fantastic hands. One of the most tremendous work ethics that I’ve ever been around. Extremely tough. Willing to do whatever it takes for the team … I can’t say enough good things about him as a person and him as a player. I think that’s the ultimate compliment.”
Ben Johnson, Bears Aiming to Lock Up No. 2 Seed in NFC
GettyHead coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears.
The division rivalry between the Bears and the Lions in the NFC North runs deep, so you can bet Detroit is going to look to make things difficult for Chicago by picking up a win in this one. All the Bears have to do, though, in order to officially lock up the No. 2 seed, is take down the Lions. If they lose, then things could get a bit complicated.
Johnson knows his former team inside and out, and if St. Brown does end up playing, that’s going to make the task more difficult for Chicago on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET, and if all goes according to plan, the Bears will take down the Lions and wrap up the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Delivers Warning on Lions Star Amon-Ra St. Brown