Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, nothing gets the blood pumping quite like a classic NFC North showdown between the Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats. These two teams have been battling it out since the early days of the NFL, creating some unforgettable moments on the gridiron. Today, we’re talking all about “Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions match player stats” – from the historic all-time leaders to the standout performances in recent games. Whether you’re a die-hard Bears fan dreaming of a turnaround or a Lions supporter riding high on their recent success, this guide is for you. I’ll break it down in simple terms, with easy-to-read tables, so anyone can follow along. Let’s lace up and dive in!
The Historic Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats Rivalry: A Quick Overview
The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the oldest in the NFL, dating back to 1930 when the Lions were still the Portsmouth Spartans. They’ve met almost every season since, making it the longest-running annual series in league history. Overall, the Bears hold a slight edge with a 105-80-5 record against the Lions. But don’t let that fool you – things have been neck-and-neck since the 1960s, with the series tied at 58-58-1 from 1966 onward.
Chicago dominated early on, thanks to legends like George Halas and his powerhouse teams in the 1930s and ’50s. Detroit, however, had its moments, especially on Thanksgiving Day games, which they’ve hosted since 1934. Fast-forward to today, and the Lions have flipped the script in recent years. In the last decade (2015-2024), the Bears are just 4-8 against Detroit, showing how the Motor City squad has risen under coach Dan Campbell.
Why does this matter for player stats? Well, individual performances often define these games. Stars like Barry Sanders for the Lions and Walter Payton for the Bears have left their mark, and modern players are building on that legacy. Let’s look at some all-time leaders in key categories specifically against the rival. These stats highlight who shone brightest in the heat of battle.
All-Time Player Stats Leaders: Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats
When it comes to head-to-head stats, a few names stand out. I’ve pulled together tables for rushing, receiving, passing, and even some defensive highlights. These are career numbers in Bears-Lions matchups, showing who dominated over the years. Remember, these are simplified for easy reading – yards, touchdowns, and more.
Rushing Leaders
Running backs have always been the heart of this rivalry, with gritty runs through tough defenses. Here’s the top performers:
| Player | Team | Games | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Yards per Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Payton | Bears | 25 | 1,960 | 10 | 4.7 |
| Barry Sanders | Lions | 20 | 1,846 | 12 | 5.2 |
| Matt Forte | Bears | 12 | 1,128 | 8 | 4.9 |
| Billy Sims | Lions | 15 | 1,050 | 7 | 4.3 |
| D’Andre Swift | Lions | 6 | 450 | 3 | 5.1 |
Payton and Sanders never faced off directly (different eras), but their numbers against the opponent are legendary. Payton’s consistency helped the Bears control the clock, while Sanders’ elusiveness terrorized Chicago defenses. In recent years, Swift has carried the torch for Detroit, averaging over 5 yards per carry.
Receiving Leaders
Wide receivers and tight ends feast in big divisional games. These leaders racked up yards through the air:
| Player | Team | Games | Rec Yards | Rec TDs | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herman Moore | Lions | 14 | 1,750 | 12 | 145 |
| Johnny Morris | Bears | 18 | 1,620 | 9 | 128 |
| DJ Moore | Bears | 8 | 850 | 5 | 72 |
| Sam LaPorta | Lions | 4 | 320 | 4 | 28 |
| Keenan Allen | Bears | 3 | 280 | 2 | 25 |
Moore was a beast in the ’90s for Detroit, while Morris was a Bears staple in the ’50s and ’60s. Today, rookies like LaPorta are making waves – his touchdown catches in 2024 games were game-changers.
Passing Leaders
Quarterbacks drive the bus, and these signal-callers have the best stats head-to-head:
| Player | Team | Games | Pass Yards | Pass TDs | INTs | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Stafford | Lions | 10 | 2,450 | 18 | 8 | 64.5 |
| Erik Kramer | Lions | 8 | 1,920 | 14 | 6 | 62.1 |
| Justin Fields | Bears | 6 | 1,100 | 7 | 5 | 58.2 |
| Jared Goff | Lions | 5 | 1,500 | 12 | 3 | 68.0 |
| Caleb Williams | Bears | 2 | 668 | 4 | 2 | 65.0 |
Stafford’s arm talent lit up Chicago skies, but Goff has been even more efficient in recent matchups. Williams, the 2024 No. 1 pick, showed promise but struggled with consistency.
Defensive Highlights
Defense wins championships, right? Here are sack and interception leaders:
| Player | Team | Games | Sacks | INTs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Dent | Bears | 20 | 12.5 | 3 |
| Robert Porcher | Lions | 18 | 11.0 | 2 |
| Khalil Mack | Bears | 5 | 6.5 | 1 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | 4 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Montez Sweat | Bears | 6 | 4.0 | 2 |
Dent’s ’80s dominance helped the Bears’ Super Bowl run, while Hutchinson is the new terror for Detroit.
These all-time stats show the rivalry’s depth – it’s not just about wins, but individual brilliance that swings games.
Recent Match Player Stats: 2023 and 2024 Showdowns
Now, let’s get to the fresh action. The Lions have owned the Bears lately, winning 5 of the last 6 meetings. In 2023, Detroit swept the series: a 31-30 thriller in Week 6 and a 12-10 defensive battle in Week 11. But 2024? That’s where things heated up even more.
2023 Season Highlights
In Week 6 (Lions 31-30 Bears), Jared Goff threw for 272 yards and 2 TDs, while David Montgomery rushed for 116 yards and a score. For Chicago, Justin Fields ran for 79 yards and passed for 169, but a late missed field goal sealed their fate.
Week 11 (Lions 12-10 Bears) was a low-scoring affair. Goff managed 218 yards with no TDs, but the Lions’ defense held firm. Fields rushed for 104 yards – his best against Detroit – but the Bears couldn’t capitalize.
Key 2023 Player Stats Table (Combined for Both Games):
| Player | Team | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | Rec Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | Lions | 490 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Justin Fields | Bears | 338 | 183 | 0 | 1 |
| David Montgomery | Lions | 0 | 200 | 20 | 2 |
| DJ Moore | Bears | 200 | 0 | 200 | 1 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | Lions | 0 | 0 | 180 | 1 |
The Lions’ balance overwhelmed Chicago’s defense.
2024 Season: Thanksgiving Thriller and Soldier Field Rout
2024 saw two epic clashes. First, on Thanksgiving (Nov 28, Lions 23-20 Bears at Ford Field). The Lions built a 23-7 lead, but the Bears rallied late. Goff threw 2 TDs to Sam LaPorta (both short passes), finishing with around 220 yards. Jake Bates nailed three field goals, including a 48-yarder. Caleb Williams passed for 259 yards and 2 TDs (to Keenan Allen and DJ Moore), but a clock mismanagement ended their comeback. D’Andre Swift (now with Bears? Wait, no – in 2024, he’s with Bears after trade, but stats show him contributing 40 rush yards). For Lions, Gibbs had 37 yards.
Then, Week 16 (Dec 22, Lions 34-17 Bears at Soldier Field). Detroit bounced back from a rare loss, with Goff exploding for 336 yards and 3 TDs. Jameson Williams had a career-high 143 receiving yards, including an 82-yard bomb. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 109 yards and a TD, joining elite company with 1,500+ scrimmage yards and 15 TDs for the season. LaPorta added another TD on a trick play where Goff faked a fumble.
For the Bears, Williams improved to 334 yards and 2 TDs (to Allen for 141 yards and Kmet), but their defense crumbled, allowing 34 points. Rome Odunze had 77 receiving yards. Braxton Jones left early with an ankle injury, hurting the line.
2024 Combined Player Stats Table (Both Games):
| Player | Team | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | Rec Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | Lions | 556 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Caleb Williams | Bears | 593 | 20 | 0 | 4 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | Lions | 0 | 146 | 45 | 1 |
| Keenan Allen | Bears | 0 | 0 | 281 | 2 |
| Jameson Williams | Lions | 0 | 0 | 143 | 1 |
| Sam LaPorta | Lions | 0 | 0 | 150 | 3 |
| DJ Moore | Bears | 0 | 0 | 120 | 1 |
| Rome Odunze | Bears | 0 | 0 | 107 | 0 |
Goff’s efficiency (no INTs in these games) and the Lions’ playmakers like Williams and Gibbs highlight their offensive firepower. Williams for Bears showed growth, but turnovers and clock issues hurt Chicago.
Key Player Spotlights: Stars of the Rivalry
Let’s zoom in on a few guys making waves.
Jared Goff: The Lions’ Steady Hand
Goff has been lights-out against the Bears, with over 1,500 career yards and 12 TDs in just 5 games. In 2024, his 68% completion rate and quick decisions shredded Chicago’s secondary. Fun fact: He’s the first QB to throw 400+ yards and 5 TDs in a loss (against Buffalo before the Bears game), but against Chicago, he’s 3-0.
Caleb Williams: Rookie Promise Amid Struggles
As the No. 1 pick, Williams faced tough sledding in a rebuilding Bears team. His 2024 stats vs. Lions: 593 yards, 4 TDs, but 2 INTs and fumbles. He connected well with Allen (141 yards in Week 16) and showed arm talent, but needs better protection. At 22, he’s got time to turn it around.
Jameson Williams and Keenan Allen: Big-Play Receivers
Williams’ 82-yard TD in Week 16 was his fourth 50+ yard score of the season – a deep threat nightmare. Allen, the veteran, torched Detroit for 141 yards, proving experience matters. Their matchup was electric, with Allen’s routes creating space.
Jahmyr Gibbs: The Dynamic Back
Gibbs’ 109 yards in Week 16 put him in rare air, alongside Sanders and Sims. His receiving skills (45 yards on 4 catches) make him versatile, punishing Bears defenders.
Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson’s pressure (5 career sacks vs. Bears) and the Bears’ Montez Sweat (4 sacks) keep QBs honest.
Analysis: What the Stats Tell Us
Looking at these numbers, a few trends jump out. The Lions’ offense is balanced and explosive – Goff’s low INT rate (just 3 in recent games) paired with Gibbs’ rushing and Williams’ speed overwhelms. In 2024, Detroit scored 57 points across two wins, setting franchise records (13 wins, 493 season points).
For the Bears, Williams’ passing yards are promising (over 300 per game vs. Lions), but efficiency lags (turnovers in crucial moments). Their defense, once stout, allowed big plays like Williams’ long TD. Historically, Bears rushers like Fields shone, but passing has been their Achilles’ heel lately.
In the rivalry, home-field matters: Bears are 3-2 at Soldier Field since 2020, but Lions dominated there in 2024. Thanksgiving games? Lions lead 8-10 overall, but Chicago’s comebacks are legendary.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
As we head into 2025 (next matchup: Sept 14 at Ford Field), expect more fireworks. The Lions aim for a Super Bowl run, with Goff and Gibbs leading. Bears need Williams to mature and defense to rebound under new interim coach Thomas Brown (0-3 in 2024). Will Chicago snap their 0-5 road skid? Stats suggest Detroit’s momentum continues, but rivalries are unpredictable.