A pair of divisional rivals are set to play for pride. The Detroit Lions (2-6) visit the Chicago Bears (3-6) at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago for a NFC North divisional game. While the Minnesota Vikings have a sizable lead in the division, that doesn’t mean it’s a meaningless game for the Lions or Bears.
There are draft pick selection spots on the line, as well as the general feel of playing together. Both second-year coach Dan Campbell and his staff, plus first-year Bears coach Matt Eberflus and his staff, are learning what works and what doesn’t heading into critical offseasons.
The Bears are favored by 3 points with an over/under of 48.5 points. The Lions moneyline is +135, while the Bears moneyline is -155.
Lions to go back to back?
Detroit has not won back-to-back games since the 2020 season, both road games, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, respectively. After a 15-9 home victory against the Packers last week, the Lions could knock off another divisional foe and snap that streak.
However, they have two different units. The offense is 12th in scoring at 23.5 points per game and seventh in yardage at 377.3 yards per game.
The defense allows 29.3 points per game and 417.3 yards per game – each are worst in the league. They are second worst in allowing 148.8 yards rushing per game.
Bears look to exploit run game
That’s what the Bears, who have the league’s best rushing offense at 195.4 yards rushing per game, look to exploit.
Chicago is 21st in scoring at 20.8 points per game and 23rd in total offense at 321.1 yards per game. But the development of quarterback Justin Fields as a runner has changed their offensive outlook since the bye week.
Defensively the Bears are one step better against the run, allowing 147.2 yards rushing per game. They are 21st in holding teams to 24.0 points per game and 18th in limiting teams to 347.9 yards of offense per contest.
Lions/Bears Betting Prediction
Each team is dealing with injuries, of course, but the Lions are taking a bigger hit. Running back De’Andre Swift, center Frank Ragnow, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and safety Kerby Joseph are all listed as questionable and would be key players to miss.
The Bears lead the all-time series with a 104-75-5 record against the Lions. That includes the latest stretch in which the Bears have won seven of the last eight games, which was preceded by a Lions run of nine wins in 10 games.
Lately, though, the underdog is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings. The Lions are 1-4-1 against the spread in their last six trips to Chicago, where the under is 7-3 in the last ten meetings.
The Lions are 4-4, and Bears 4-4-1 against the spread this season. The Lions are 5-3, and the Bears are 5-4 on over/unders. We like the Bears to cover.
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