Detroit (3-4-1) and Chicago (3-5) enter this weekend as the third- and fourth-place teams in the NFC Central. Both teams are on life support in regard to the 2019 postseason. The Bears and Lions will likely need to get to nine wins to have a shot at the final wild card, meaning that both teams will have to win six of the final eight games. This weekend’s game is now a must-win for both teams.
Starting 3-5 is not the way the Bears imagined this season would go. After a very successful 2018 campaign, much of the offseason was spent looking for a kicker. Chicago envisioned itself as being “a kicker away” from the Super Bowl. While the kicking game has been a noticeable improvement, the rest of the offense has regressed in 2019. The Bears rank 30th in passing yards per game with 186.2, are ranked 28th in rushing, and rank 27th in points per game. Third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has drawn the ire of the Chicago faithful. Trubisky stated in a recent interview that he chooses to turn the TVs off at Soldier Field to drown out all the negativity. The fans were expecting Trubisky to make the proverbial leap this season, driving the Bears to the postseason. That has not happened, as Trubisky has struggled to move the Bears offense down the field. The Bears rank 26th in the NFL in time of possession.
Defensively, the Bears are rock solid. Chicago ranks sixth in scoring defense. However, a recent injury to Akiem Hicks has left the Chicago front seven vulnerable to the run. Last week, the Bears were gashed by the Philadelphia rushing attack, giving up 146 yards on the ground. This led to a very lopsided time of possession for the Eagles. The Bears are not built to be a come from behind team, so losing a player like Hicks on the defense has made it difficult for Chicago to get off the field and successfully defend the run.
The Lions come into this weekend’s matchup struggling to run the ball, so taking advantage of the Bears’ weakness might be easier said than done. Detroit ranks 21st in the league in rushing. The Lions rank fifth overall in team offense, however, so moving the ball through the air might be what Detroit has to do to defeat Chicago. Quarterback Matthew Stafford ranks fourth in the NFL in passing yards so far this season.
Defensively, the Lions rank near the bottom in points per game allowed. Detroit also ranks 27th in the league against the run. Detroit’s defense does enough to keep the Lions in the game, as seven of the eight games this season have been decided by less than 10 points. Expect another close game on Sunday.
Game Info
Date: November 10, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stadium: Soldier Field
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Lions +2.5
Moneyline: Lions +120
Over/Under: 41.5
Prediction
The Lions-Bears game will serve as a virtual elimination game for Detroit. The Monsters of the Midway will come to play for this one, as the home crowd energizes a hungry Bears defense. Expect the Chicago defense to score at least one defensive touchdown in this game. Coach Matt Nagy will ride rookie running back David Montgomery to another 100-yard rushing day, giving the Bears the win.
Final Score: Lions 17, Bears 23
One Response
So interesting David. These recaps are getting better and better. you were made to cover sports. Arles and Bradie Taylor Carthage NC