Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions share one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries, dating back to 1930.
- The Bears lead the all-time series, with over 100 wins in head-to-head matchups.
- Detroit has been more competitive in the last decade, narrowing the historical gap.
- Most games are tightly contested, with frequent one-score finishes.
- The rivalry has major implications within the NFC North division standings.
The Origins of the Bears–Lions Rivalry
The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions rivalry began in 1930, when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. Since Detroit’s relocation in 1934, the two franchises have met at least twice per season as division rivals. Their consistent meetings have produced one of the longest-running and most statistically rich rivalries in NFL history.
Because both franchises were founded before the modern Super Bowl era, their head-to-head record spans pre-merger NFL championships, the AFL-NFL merger, and the modern NFC North structure. This continuity makes their historical comparison more meaningful than newer divisional rivalries.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
As of the most recent completed NFL season, the Bears hold a clear advantage in the all-time series.
CategoryChicago BearsDetroit LionsTiesAll-Time WinsOver 105Over 755Series LeaderChicago BearsFirst Meeting1930
Chicago built much of its series lead during dominant stretches in the 1940s, 1980s, and mid-2000s. However, Detroit has recorded multiple strong runs, particularly during the early 1990s and the 2020s resurgence.
Winning Percentage Breakdown
- Bears winning percentage: Approximately .580
- Lions winning percentage: Approximately .410
- Tie percentage: Minimal but historically relevant
While the Bears maintain a sizeable historical edge, the margin has tightened over the past decade.
Performance by Era
Pre-Super Bowl Era (1930 to 1969)
The Bears dominated much of the early rivalry, reflecting their status as one of the NFL’s powerhouse franchises under legendary coach George Halas. Chicago’s defense-first identity often overwhelmed Detroit during this period, although the Lions captured three NFL championships in the 1950s.
1970 to 1999
This era featured more balance. The Bears’ famed 1985 Super Bowl team swept the Lions, while Barry Sanders powered Detroit to several memorable wins in the 1990s. Sanders’ explosive rushing performances frequently shifted momentum in close contests.
2000 to 2019
Chicago again gained the upper hand in the mid-2000s under coach Lovie Smith. However, the arrival of quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2009 made Detroit consistently competitive. From 2011 onward, many games were decided in the fourth quarter.
2020 to Present
The rivalry has become increasingly competitive. Detroit’s recent rebuild has translated into improved divisional results, while Chicago has undergone multiple coaching and quarterback transitions. The result is a more evenly matched series in the modern NFC North landscape.
Home vs Away Record
One of the defining features of this rivalry is strong home-field performance.
LocationBears RecordLions RecordGames in ChicagoSignificant Winning EdgeNegative RecordGames in DetroitCompetitiveStronger Performance
Soldier Field has historically favored Chicago due to weather conditions and defensive matchups. Meanwhile, Detroit has leveraged indoor conditions at Ford Field to enhance passing efficiency in recent years.
Recent Matchups and Streaks
Over the last 10 seasons, Detroit has narrowed the gap. The Lions have produced multiple season sweeps, while several games have been decided by one possession. Key trends include:
- Increased scoring totals compared to early 2000s matchups
- Greater quarterback impact on outcomes
- Higher fourth-quarter scoring frequency
Games between the teams now frequently exceed 45 combined points, a shift from older defensive-minded meetings.
Playoff History
Despite their long history, the Bears and Lions have never met in the postseason. This is a surprising statistical footnote given their century-long divisional overlap. Every head-to-head meeting has occurred during the regular season.
Quarterback Comparison in the Rivalry
Notable Bears Quarterbacks
- Sid Luckman
- Jim McMahon
- Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler holds multiple Bears franchise passing records and had notable success against Detroit during his tenure, particularly in prime-time division games.
Notable Lions Quarterbacks
- Bobby Layne
- Matthew Stafford
- Recent franchise starters
Matthew Stafford posted several 300-yard performances against Chicago, helping modernize the rivalry into a quarterback-driven contest.
Total Points and Offensive Trends
Across all meetings, the Bears hold a cumulative points advantage. Historically, Chicago’s defensive units produced lower-scoring contests, while Detroit’s recent offensive rebuild has shifted the average upward.
Average Points Per Game by Decade
- 1930s to 1960s: Typically under 30 combined points
- 1980s: Defensive dominance, lower totals
- 2010s: Frequently 40 plus combined points
- 2020s: Offensive leaning with higher passing yards
This evolution mirrors league-wide trends toward pass-heavy offenses and rule changes favoring quarterbacks and receivers.
Coaching Impact on the Series
Coaching stability has influenced shifts in momentum. George Halas, Mike Ditka, and Lovie Smith led strong Bears stretches. For Detroit, Wayne Fontes guided competitive 1990s squads, while recent staff changes have revitalized the franchise’s divisional approach.
When either team maintains coaching continuity for more than three seasons, head-to-head consistency tends to improve.
Most Memorable Games
- High-scoring Thanksgiving clashes in Detroit
- Barry Sanders’ explosive rushing performances in the 1990s
- Division-deciding matchups in the 2011 playoff race
- Recent fourth-quarter comebacks in tightly contested games
Thanksgiving games in Detroit often carry added national exposure, intensifying rivalry moments.
Statistical Trends That Define the Rivalry
- Turnover Margin: The team with the better turnover differential wins the majority of matchups.
- Rushing Efficiency: Chicago’s wins often correlate with strong rushing games.
- Passing Yards: Detroit victories frequently feature 250 plus passing yards.
- Division Stakes: Many late-season clashes impact NFC North standings.
These measurable patterns provide insight into how each franchise imposes its identity during head-to-head contests.
What the Data Suggests Moving Forward
Although the Bears maintain the historical advantage, modern trends indicate increasing balance. Detroit’s offensive efficiency combined with Chicago’s evolving roster construction suggests future matchups may continue trending toward high-scoring, closely contested games. With both franchises investing in young talent and quarterback development, the statistical gap that once defined the rivalry is narrower than at any point in the past four decades.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bears–Lions Rivalry
When did the Chicago Bears–Detroit Lions rivalry start?
The rivalry started in 1930, when the Lions played as the Portsmouth Spartans. The teams have met at least twice every season as division rivals since Detroit moved in 1934.
Who leads the all-time series between the Bears and Lions?
The Chicago Bears lead the all-time series. They have more than 105 wins, while the Detroit Lions have more than 75 wins, with a handful of ties.
Why is the Bears–Lions rivalry important in the NFC North?
The rivalry matters because both teams share the NFC North and play at least twice each year. Their games often affect playoff races and final division standings.
Have the Bears and Lions ever played each other in the playoffs?
No. Even though they have played since 1930, every Bears–Lions game so far has been a regular-season matchup, not a postseason game.
How has the Bears–Lions rivalry changed in recent years?
In recent years, the rivalry has become more balanced and higher scoring. Detroit’s offense has improved, while Chicago has gone through coaching and quarterback changes, leading to closer games.
Does home-field advantage matter in Bears vs. Lions games?
Yes. The Bears tend to do better at home in Chicago, often helped by weather and defense. The Lions usually play stronger in Detroit, especially indoors at Ford Field.
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