Credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lions vs Bears Rivalry: Why are the Lions and Bears Rivals?

Credits: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As the NFC North rivalry reignites, the Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears this Sunday at Ford Field for a pivotal Week 2 clash that could help us understand the early divisional standings. Both teams are currently at 0-1 after defeats. The Lions lost to the Packers, where Jared Goff was highly ineffective in finding his open receivers to execute the offense. And the Bears lost against the Vikings in a heartbreaking loss despite rookie QB Caleb Williams showing flashes of brilliance.

To add further to this matchup is Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s emotional return to Detroit, where he orchestrated the Lions’ explosive attack for many seasons. Now facing his former squad, Johnson brings intimate knowledge about the Lions but Detroit’s dynamic backfield due of Montgomery and Gibbs could exploit Chicago’s coverages.

We expect a gritty battle between the two teams, with the Lions eyeing to win their first game at home and the Bears desperate to assert themselves into the winning column. This two teams have been rivals for nearly a century and we are here to cover it in depth.

How Old is the Detroit Lions – Chicago Bears Rivalry?

The Lions and the Bears, who are fierce NFC North rivals, battle twice annually, continuing a historic feud that began in 1930. The Bears dominated early, leading 47-22-4 through 1965, but the rivalry has since evened out at 58-58-1. Despite Chicago winning more in the postseason, where the Lions have struggled historically.

The Bears lead the overall series with no postseason meetings against the Lions thus far. This Sunday’s Week 2 showdown at Ford Field will only reignite this storied, century-long clash with high stakes for both teams.

IT’S ALMOST GAMEDAY! We’ve got all you need to know before you head to the stadium this Sunday when the @Lions take on the Bears for their 2025 home opener 🏈 Visit https://t.co/85ESphn9cG for more info. pic.twitter.com/ReDyECFkyz
— Ford Field (@fordfield) September 13, 2025

Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Head-to-Head Record for Regular Season

The Chicago Bears are currently leading the series with 105-80-5. However the Lions defeated the Bears twice in 2024, going for 23-20 in the first game and and 34-17 in the second game.

These two rivals have met each other 190 times, with Chicago still leading overall. The Bears, however, have been trying to re-build for years but not much has worked for them so far. This season, now that they have Ben Johnson, there is optimism that the culture around the team will change for the better. And for the Lions, while they have all the offensive firepower, it is their defense that has kept them from winning it all.

Full steam ahead 💨 pic.twitter.com/DhhVfGyQJB
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 13, 2025

While the Lions are the favorites to win this matchup, the Bears are hungrier than they’ve earn been, with second year QB Caleb Williams looking to assert himself this season.

Bears vs Lions Rivalry

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

NFL

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.