An old-school battle in the NFC North takes place on NFL Sunday between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. The game is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised live on FOX. Currently the odds for the game have the Bears favored by a field goal.
The Bears still have an outside shot at making the playoffs this season. Detroit has been one of the most underachieving teams in recent memory. Just how will this game work out? The Bears have won nine games already and a 10th win won't guarantee them a playoff spot, but it certainly would go a long way to help them securing a spot.
Lions WR Calvin Johnson has already broken the NFL's single season receiving record and has his eyes set on 2,000 yards, which would make him the first player in the league's history to accomplish that. The Lions have lost seven straight games and is only playing for an NFL Draft pick slot. There's no doubt that Megatron is going to be getting double teamed the entire game, but by this point in his career, that's to be expected each time he takes the field.
Prior to last week's win over Arizona, the Bears had lost three straight games to Green Bay, Seattle and Minnesota. A loss by the Bears in today's game would make those three teams playoff squads, which is kind of ironic.
Awful stat for the Bears — in the last two weeks combined, Chicago has just 27 first downs. Even worse? They haven't scored 17 points in five of their last seven games overall. Remember a few months back when many thought this was the best overall team in the NFC? Chicago has certainly stumbled, going just 2-5 in their last seven games.
We've been disappointed with the Lions all season but make special note of Matthew Stafford throwing for 24 less TDs this season than last.
Chicago ranks in the Top Ten overall defensively in sacks, interceptions and fumbles. They are very good at causing turnovers and forcing team into bad situations. The Bears have been able to beat Detroit in six of the last seven games.
Bears receiver Brandon Marshall isn't getting the same hype as Johnson is, but he's in the discussion as best possible receiver in the league. Look for QB Jay Cutler to get the football to Marshall in this one. Detroit's secondary is just plain awful but only gives up 220 yards on average through the air.
Matt Forte is banged up, but knowing his team has a chance to play in the post season with a victory will get him on the field, we believe.
Detroit has been pretty solid at home the past few seasons but this year has only gone 2-5. They have the No. 1 overall offense in the NFC but have only four wins on the season to show for it.
Free Pick: Chicago 28, Detroit 20
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