The two teams play in the two largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest.

This rivalry is the longest-running annual series in the NFL as both teams have met at least once a season since 1930.

This is despite the Bears have been far more successful than the Lions since that season, reaching the NFC Divisional Playoffs twelve times (winning five of those playoff games, two NFC titles, and a Super Bowl).

In comparison, the Lions have only reached the Divisional Playoffs four times, winning two of those games, and have not won an NFC title.

[1] The 1932 NFL Playoff Game, despite its name, is included in the final standings of the regular season.