The fate of the Chicago Bears is a mixed blessing for the Detroit Lions.
On the positive side, the NFC North rival Bears got smoked by the Vikings in Week 18. Former Lions backup QB Tim Boyle helped, throwing two interceptions in eight passes in relief of Nathan Peterman at quarterback for Chicago in place of injured Justin Fields. It was the Bears’ 10th straight loss to close the season and 12th in 13 games. Chicago wound up 3-14, the worst record in the league.
Of course, there’s the negative rub for the Lions and the rest of the NFC North. Chicago secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft with the loss, paired with an improbable comeback win by the Houston Texans against the Indianapolis Colts. Houston’s win, the Texans’ second victory in three weeks, raised its record to 3-13-1 and cost the Texans the top pick.
Based on the roster the Bears fielded in Detroit’s 41-10 blowout win in Week 17, the Bears have pressing needs all over the roster. They do not figure to be in the market for a quarterback, but could easily have interest in trading out for a cadre of picks from a more QB-needy team.
Houston will pick second and absolutely needs a quarterback. So do the Colts, who will pick either fourth or fifth (pending the Cardinals/49ers outcome).
