CHICAGO (WLS) — In a dramatic finish, Jared Goff orchestrated five scoring drives, and Jake Bates delivered a decisive 42-yard field goal as the clock ran out, propelling the Detroit Lions to a 19-16 victory over the NFC North champion Chicago Bears. This win came after the Lions squandered a 16-point lead in the game’s final quarter.

The Bears, now standing at 11-6, have stumbled into the playoffs following consecutive losses. Despite this, they clinched the No. 2 seed in the NFC, thanks to Washington’s win over Philadelphia. Chicago is set to face Green Bay in a wild-card matchup on Saturday night, streamed on Prime Video. Should they triumph over the Packers, the Bears will enjoy home-field advantage in the divisional round.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Meanwhile, Caleb Williams made franchise history for the Bears by setting a new single-season passing record. His two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter erased a 16-0 deficit, showcasing his prowess under pressure.

For the Lions, who concluded their 9-8 season with a victory, Bates’ 42-yard field goal was set up by a crucial 26-yard connection between Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. This win marked a positive end to their season, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Goff rebounded from his season’s worst performance by throwing for 331 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. The four-time Pro Bowler successfully completed 27 out of 42 passes, improving from last week’s game against Minnesota, where he recorded season highs of two interceptions, three fumbles, and was sacked five times.

St. Brown had 139 yards on 11 receptions. Gibbs ran for 80 yards and had a touchdown catch. Avonte Maddox intercepted Williams in the end zone in the third quarter, and the Lions closed a season that began with Super Bowl hopes on a winning note.

Williams threw for 212 yards, giving him 3,942 this season to surpass Erik Kramer’s franchise mark of 3,838 in 1995. Chicago remains the only team without a 4,000-yard passer.

Colston Loveland caught 10 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Kevin Byard had his league-leading seventh interception.

The Bears trailed 16-0 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter when Williams connected with Jahdae Walker for a 25-yard touchdown and broke Kramer’s record. A 2-point conversion run by Kyle Monangai cut it to 16-8.

After the Lions punted, Chicago went 88 yards for a touchdown, with Williams finding Colston Loveland in the end zone from the 1. A lunging Cole Kmet then hauled in the 2-point conversion pass in a crowd, tying it at 16 and whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

The Lions then had the ball at the Chicago 35 when Goff attempted to zip a pass to St. Brown. The Bears’ Jaquan Brisker tipped the ball and Byard picked it off at the 5.

Injuries

Lions: WR Tom Kennedy (rib) was hurt returning a punt in the third quarter.

Bears: The Bears held out LT Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad) after he was limited in practice during the week. … LB Ty Summers (foot) left after he was injured on the opening kickoff.

Up next

Lions: Start the offseason.

Bears: Host Green Bay in a wild-card game at 7 p.m. Saturday on Prime Video