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Bears Close Season Hosting Detroit

The Detroit Lions will seek to wrap up their losing campaign on a positive note by matching their longest win streak against their NFC North rivals on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Detroit has already switched team presidents with Rod Wood taking over for a fired Tom Lewand in November and the franchise is seeking a new general manager to replace Martin Mayhew. When that GM is hired, he's expected to decide Caldwell's fate with the Lions.

Detroit finished 11-5 and reached the playoffs in his initial season but couldn't overcome a 1-7 start in this one. Caldwell might have aided his chances by winning five of the past seven games, including each of the past two, but the Lions (6-9) will finish with a losing record for the 13th time in 15 years.

Chicago (6-9) wasn't consistent enough in coach John Fox's first season to seriously challenge for a playoff berth, and the Bears have some tough decisions to make while also seeking to fill holes in their roster in the offseason. Top running back Matt Forte and leading receiver Alshon Jeffery are among those who have expiring contracts.

Jeffery, limited to nine games by injuries, won't play in this one because of an ailing hamstring. Nose tackle and second-round draft pick Eddie Goldman is out with an injured right ankle.

The Bears also might have to see if offensive coordinator Adam Gase or defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are candidates for head coaching jobs. Gase's hiring appeared to play a role in an improved Jay Cutler, and the quarterback has a career-best 92.8 rating while throwing eight interceptions in 14 games, his lowest rate.

The Lions' Matthew Stafford had a season-high 405 yards and four touchdowns to outduel Cutler (353 yards, 1 TD) in a 37-34 overtime win Oct. 18. That was Detroit's lone victory in its horrendous start.

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