The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are set for an early-season NFC North showdown that could shape the division race. With both teams aiming to rebound after a rough start, Week 2 brings plenty of storylines and bold predictions.
This game will mark Ben Johnson’s first matchup against his former team since becoming Chicago’s head coach. Ford Field will provide a hostile environment as Detroit looks to prove that Johnson made a mistake by leaving. The familiarity between these two squads only adds to the intrigue.
Dropping to 0-2, especially with both defeats coming against divisional opponents, could be disastrous. The NFC North is expected to be among the league’s toughest competitions, so this game carries significant weight. With that in mind, here are the bold predictions for Bears vs. Lions.
Caleb Williams surpasses 300 passing yards
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed flashes of brilliance in his debut, opening with a 61-yard drive capped off by a nine-yard rushing score. However, his overall performance was inconsistent, finishing 21-of-35 for 210 yards and a touchdown. Johnson and the Bears coaching staff will surely make adjustments heading into Week 2.
Detroit’s secondary provides a prime opportunity for Williams to break out. In Week 1, the Packers only needed 22 pass attempts from their quarterback, yet he still threw for 188 yards. With the Lions nursing a lead, Green Bay barely leaned on its passing attack.
Chicago won’t have that luxury. Williams will be throwing frequently, especially with Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold dealing with a groin injury that could sideline him. If Arnold sits, Williams’ odds of cracking the 300-yard mark rise significantly.
Last season, Williams reached 300+ yards in four games, including a strong performance in Week 15 against Detroit. Expect him to repeat that milestone this week.
Rome Odunze tops 150 receiving yards
One of Williams’ favorite targets is already clear: rookie wideout Rome Odunze. The chemistry between the former top-10 draft picks is rapidly developing, and it showed in Chicago’s opener against Minnesota despite the loss. Odunze consistently created separation and flashed big-play ability, setting the stage for a monster outing.
If Williams indeed throws for over 300 yards, Odunze is poised to be the primary beneficiary. A 150-yard receiving performance is well within reach, establishing him as the focal point of Chicago’s passing attack in this divisional clash.
