Live ’dog is barkin’ in the Lions’ den

I’m in danger of liking what I saw last of the Lions, as they’re coming off a 20-19 win over the Panthers (and I have been kicking myself for jumping off the Lions because they let me down the prior two weeks against the Vikings and these Bears). I know I’m still going to be contrarian, as everyone will be on the Bears off their win over the Vikings on Sunday Night Football and the fact they routed the Lions 34-22 just 11 days ago.

The Bears jumped out to a 26-0 lead in that game, but I’m counting on Detroit coach Matt Patricia (in his first divisional revenge game as head coach) making the right adjustments; we saw some of those in the second half of the first meeting (though the Bears were coasting to victory) and it hopefully continues this week.

Mitchell Trubisky is doubtful to play, which helps, but the key will be slowing down the Bears’ pass rush. Another concern is the status of Lions running back Kerryon Johnson, who is out, though the runningback-by-committee of LaGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick and Zach Zenner can pick up the slack. The Lions’ familiarity with playing the Turkey Day game and the Bears traveling on the short week help make Detroit a live home ’dog.

THE PLAY: Lions. +3.

Dave Tuley is senior reporter at VSiN.com. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.