Lions (9-3) at Bears (4-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Field, Chicago
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Lions by 3
Lions’ keys to victory: Detroit’s offense needs to play like it did in the final five minutes of their previous meeting in Week 11. Keeping QB Jared Goff upright is a big part of that ideal, as Chicago’s defense brought pressure and forced Goff into three interceptions. The Lions should lean heavily on the duo of RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs on the ground and through the air. On defense, the Lions will be tasked with containing QB Justin Fields. Fields is Chicago’s biggest weapon in the run game, and they’ll try to force him to play from the pocket, where he’s less comfortable.
Bears’ keys to victory: Chicago should look to replicate the game plan from their Week 11 meeting, where the Bears had a balanced offensive attack that utilized Fields’ rushing ability and got him into a steady rhythm in the passing game. Chicago needs to get WR DJ Moore involved as the 1-2 punch of Fields and Moore has been deadly at times this season. TE Cole Kmet has also been a reliable option for Fields and should be featured in the passing game. On defense, the Bears need to bring pressure on Goff, which led to three interceptions in the previous matchup. They’ve been stout against the run.
Matchup to watch: Rams’ Fields vs. Lions run defense. Fields has been a problem for Detroit’s defense when it comes to his elite rushing ability. He’s eclipsed 100 rushing yards in the past three meetings, including 104 yards in their Week 11 matchup.
Who wins? The Bears will challenge the Lions before Detroit secures a late lead.
Lions, 27-20
ET,
Soldier