Bears head coach Ben Johnson makes major Caleb Williams decision ahead of Week 18 clash vs Lions

Dec 30, 2025 - 15:30

Chicago Bears’ head coach Ben Johnson isn’t taking his foot off the gas pedal.

The Bears have already clinched a playoff berth, but with the No. 2 seed still to play for after a 42-38 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, Johnson won’t be taking it easy with his team in Week 18.

Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2025 — Ben Johnson has no intention of taking it easy this weekend

The Bears take on the eliminated Detroit Lions on Sunday, and Johnson will not be resting his starters.

“We’re playing to win this week,” Johnson told reporters when asked if he would shut down any of his starters for their regular-season finale.

This effectively confirms that star quarterback Caleb Williams will play against the Lions.

That’s along with other key players like DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift and Jaylon Johnson.

The Bears have an 11-5 record and have already secured the NFC North title.

But the NFC’s No.2 and No.3 seeds are still up for grabs, an incentive worth going full strength for.

Chicago narrolwy lost to the Niners last weekend in a game that saw the best of the Bears’ offense and the worst of their defense.

Williams went 25-of-432 passes for a season-high 330 yards with two touchdowns.

He also led five scoring drives and became just the second Bears quarterback in the past 30 years to throw for 300 yards with no sacks and no picks in a game.

But that still wasn’t enough to claim the win.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) — You can expect to see Caleb Williams take to the field against the Lions

DJ Moore #2 of the Chicago Bears takes the field for warm-ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2025 i — Other stars, like DJ Moore, are also expected to play

Caleb Williams' 2025 season

Williams' season by nuber

Passing Yards: 3,730
Passing Touchdowns: 25
Interceptions: 6
Completion Percentage: 57.8%
Passer Rating: 90.3
Rushing Yards: 364
Rushing Touchdowns: 3

Instead, Chicago lost 42-38 and threw away the chance of the NFC’s top seed, with the 13-3 Seattle Seahawks now in pole position.

“We let the offense down,” Bears safety Jaquan Brisker said.

“I’m going to say it. We let the offense down, period. I feel like Caleb and them, they gave us enough points to do what we had to do to win. The defense didn’t.”

Williams had the chance to steal the win at the end of the game, but his pass didn’t connect with wide reciever Jahdae Walker as time expired.

Nevertheless, the number one overall pick in the 2024 draft said he left the game feeling optimistic about the Bears’ postseason chances.

“I’m excited to go back and watch this film and figure out how we can be better, how we can put in more points, how we can be more efficient, maybe, on offense for moments like this,” Williams, whose ability had been questioned ahead of this season, said.

Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears high fives with fans after his team defeated the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. — Williams has grown to become a highly effective quarterback with the Bears this season

“Because we may see this team again, and we may see other offenses again that are very similar. I’m excited for what’s to come.

“We’ll fight, and I think we’re a team to be reckoned with. I’m excited for this next game.”

Despite the loss, the Bears can count themselves as fortunate that they experienced a game which effectively came down to who had the ball last.

Those types of score-for-score games dominate the playoffs. However, Chicago, despite their improvements, needs to learn how to win them.

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