Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
The Bears are coming into this game on a hot streak and sneaking back into division contention. Their last loss was given to them by the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football at Ford Field in Detroit. In this game the Bears have the advantage being at home with cold temperatures, high winds, screaming fans and a strong running game at Solider Field.
The Bears have Matt Forte who has been running all over the place in the last couple of weeks and is carrying the team. Jay Cutler has been hooking up with Johnny Knox in the last couple of games and could be a serious threat against a better than expected Lions’ secondary.
That’s if Jay Cutler can buy some time against the Lions’ defensive line, which is arguably the best in the NFL. Look for Suh, Vanden Bosch, Avril and the rest of the Lions’ defense line to give Cutler problems. As a defense that has 20+ sacks, the Bears O-line must hold up unlike in previous games where it has been terrible at best.
The Lions are without Jahvid Best this Sunday, which is good news for the Bears because Jahvid had a big game against the Bears last time with over 150 yards rushing. The Lions are coming in off a weeks rest and a blow out win against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Matthew Stafford shouldn’t have much trouble slinging the ball against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. The passing game is all that Detroit has in its arsenal, without that the Bears win. However, 40 mph wins could favor the Bears.
The Lions’ will however have a tough a time running the ball against arguably the best line-backing core in the NFL. Julius Peppers will be a threat against a weak offensive line of the Detroit Lions. Last game he didn’t do much but expect a banged up Peppers to still cause trouble.
In order for the Lions to win they need to stop Forte. The Lions run defense has been one of the worst in the NFL as of late but it wouldn’t be a bad time for them to show up in this game. Maurice Morris and Keliand Williams have been part of a lackluster running game for Detroit. In the bye week Detroit added Kevin Smith who could have a big game. Smith hasn’t played football for a while and should be hungry for some yards.
In this game we look for the Lions to edge out the Bears in this very anticipated matchup that should have playoff implications. Detroit has the upper hand with the combo of Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.
The X-Factor in this game is going to be Titus Young for the Detroit Lions; he got a taste of the end zone last game and expect him to be in the end zone again in this game.
The X-Factor for the Bears is Julius Peppers, if he can get to the quarterback and cause trouble it will disrupt the passing game. .
LaBreezy: Lions win 28-24
T-Fed: Lions win 14-10