NFL Predictions: Bears vs. Lions Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 10 October 2011 03:36

NFL score predictions are ready in the Monday Night Football game between the Bears and the Lions.

The Detroit Lions (4-0) will be the home team as they attempt to continue their undefeated season, while the visiting Chicago Bears (2-0) will be looking for their 7th straight victory in this NFC North rivalry.  Detroit is currently a 5.5-point favorite at Legends Sportsbook, while the Bears vs. Lions betting total is at 47.  Bet on the Bears vs. Lions game with Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus just for using our link to get started!

Jay Cutler (960 yards, 54.2%, 5 TD, 4 INT) and the Chicago offense have been inconsistent this season, and offensive line play has been iffy.  The Bears have failed in blitz pickup and won’t have it easy here with top draft pick Nick Fairley (foot) joining a defense that already was doing well at pressuring the opposing quarterback.  The Lions allow 4.8 yards per carry in the rush department so Chicago will need to concentrate on that facet to keep Cutler from being hit regularly.

Detroit’s offense has been impressive this season and the Lions head into their Monday night game averaging 33.8 points per game while averaging 301.2 yards through the air thanks to quarterback Matthew Stafford (1217 yards, 62.1%, 11 TD, 3 INT).  Wide receiver Calvin Johnson has caught 8 of those touchdowns, while the Bears’ defense is allowing 301.5 passing yards a game.

The Bears have won outright in Detroit 4 of the last 5 time they’ve gone on the road to play the Lions, and Chicago does have some reasons to believe they’ll extend that streak.  Chicago running back Matt Forte is coming off a game where he rushed for 205 yards, and Cutler will have more time to throw if the Bears can keep Detroit guessing.  Detroit’s wins this season are not looking all that impressive in retrospect, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys all showing big weaknesses recently.

Although the Lions are a good team, I have to back Chicago to win outright.  The Bears have played the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers this season, and I have to believe they are better than what they’ve shown against that above average slate.  Forte should have a big game and Detroit’s inability to run the ball (averaging only 74.5 rushing yards on 3.0 per carry) will force Stafford into some mistakes when the Bears realize they can send extra blitzers without being exploited.

Bears vs. Lions Score Predictions:

Bears 24

Detroit 23