The Lions are still looking up at the Vikings in the NFC North, but they stayed alive today with a hard-fought win in Chicago.
The 27-24 victory, which improved the Lions to 6-4 as the Vikings improved to 8-2, didn’t come easy: The Bears jumped out to an early lead and stayed competitive throughout, missing a potentially game-tying field goal with three seconds left.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford shook off an early fumble to turn in a strong game, completing 21 of 31 passes for 299 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky was solid if not spectacular, passing for 179 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions while also rushing for 53 yards, including a crucial fourth-down conversion that helped the Bears get into range for that potentially game-tying field goal.
But in the end it was Lions kicker Matt Prater who missed a 52-yard field goal, and Bears kicker Connor Barth who missed a 46-yard field goal. That was the difference, and it saved the Lions’ playoff chances as they prepare to host the Vikings on Thanksgiving.