This coming Sunday, the Detroit Lions will kick off their 2020 campaign when they host the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.
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Las Vegas lists the Lions as the favorite over the Bears but if Matt Patricia and company want to come away with a win over a team that beat them twice a year ago, they will have to take care of their business.
Here are 3 reasons why I believe the Lions will tame the Bears on Sunday.
Matthew Stafford is back and he is hungry
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Prior to suffering a broken back in 2019, which forced him to miss the final 8 games of the season, Matthew Stafford was playing at an extremely high level. According to all accounts, Stafford is 100% and he is ready to lead what should be an explosive offense in 2020. When a team has the better quarterback and they are playing at home, it makes it pretty easy to pick them to win.
Improved Defense
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Not only was the Lions' defense terrible in 2019, but it was one of the worst defensive units in franchise history! I don't think the defense will be anything to call home about in 2020, as Lions GM Bob Quinn did not do enough (in my opinion) to solidify the defensive line, but they will certainly be better in 2020 than they were in 2019. Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky torched the Lions defense twice last season, and though I do think he could still have a solid game if the DL cannot get pressure, he will not have as much success as a year ago.
Special Teams will be a factor
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I believe the special teams will play a big factor in who wins on Sunday and the Lions have the better unit (though it is close). Matt Prater is money in the bank and though P Sam Martin is no longer a Lion, new punter Jack Fox has a huge leg and I believe he will be a huge asset moving forward.
Prediction:
The moment I saw that the Lions are going to open the 2020 season at home against the Bears, I have had a big smile on my face. There is no question in my mind that Detroit has the better overall team and though this will be a one-score game, I am confident the Lions will get the job done during DAGGER TIME!
