Chicago Bears (3-9) @ Detroit Lions (8-4)
The Chicago Bears come to town for a meeting with the red-hot Detroit Lions, who have won 7 of their last 8 games. The Lions will look to avenge their earlier loss in the season to the Bears, where they were embarrassed 17-14. Matthew Stafford has been stellar since that day in early October and will be ready to continue his trip right towards the MVP and the NFL playoffs.
WHERE: Ford Field – Detroit, MI
WEATHER: Dome
TV/RADIO: CBS / News Talk 760 | WJR-AM
LINE: Lions -7, Over/Under 43.5 (Westgate)
Injury Report
Chicago
| Adrian Amos | S | — | Full Participation in Practice | — |
| Deiondre’ Hall | CB | — | Full Participation in Practice | — |
| Pernell McPhee | LB | — | Full Participation in Practice | — |
| Tracy Porter | CB | — | Full Participation in Practice | — |
| Willie Young | LB | — | Full Participation in Practice | — |
| Michael Adams | T | Back | Did Not Participate In Practice | Doubtful |
| William Royal | WR | Toe | Did Not Participate In Practice | Doubtful |
| Jonathan Anderson | LB | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Johnthan Banks | CB | Ankle | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Josh Bellamy | WR | Shoulder | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Marquess Wilson | WR | Groin | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
Detroit
| Travis Swanson | C | Concussion | Did Not Participate In Practice | Out |
| Ezekiel Ansah | DE | Ankle | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Don Carey | S | Hamstring | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Eric Ebron | TE | Knee | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Marvin Jones | WR | Quadricep | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| DeAndre Levy | LB | Knee | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Theo Riddick | RB | Wrist | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Dwayne Washington | RB | Ankle | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
| Tahir Whitehead | LB | Knee | Limited Participation in Practice | Questionable |
Three things to watch for:
- Home Field Advantage– On October the Lions went to Chicago and “got handled” according to head coach Jim Caldwell. They would have lost that game by 10 points had Andre Roberts not returned a punt late in the game to bring them within three. Expect tomorrow to be different. The Lions this year are 5-1 at home this year, tied with a plethora of other teams in second behind the Seattle Seahawks (6-0) for best home field record. On the flip side of that coin, the Bears are 0-6 on the road, tied with only the Browns and the 49ers for worst road record–two teams you never want to be compared with. Look for the Lions to step on the gas early, get the greatest fans in the world screaming their heads off, and then keep the pedal to the metal for sixty minutes.
- Defense, Defense, Defense– Last week against the New Orleans Saints the Lions defense held future Hall of Famer Drew Brees to zero touchdowns and 3 interceptions. It was the first time in 61 home games that Brees failed to record a touchdown pass. This week they are facing Matt Barkley, the USC alum, who has been well-traveled in the league. He has completed 51 % of his passes for 589 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in only 3 games this season. If our defense can once again stop the run game of the Bears, admittedly much harder facing Jordan Howard, and force Barkley to beat them, we will walk away with the “W”.
- “‘da Real MVP” – All year Matthew Stafford has played exceptionally well, except for October 2nd–the last time we faced the Bears. In that game Stafford was not what we have come to expect this year; he threw for 213 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs. Since that time he has been playing lights out. Since that game Stafford has 14 TDs to 1 INT, and has led the Lions to 7 wins in the last games, 6 of which while trailing in the fourth quarter. He is making a statement for being the League’s MVP; and against Chicago, he should add to the resume.
Key Players for Chicago: RB Jordan Howard, WR Alshon Jeffery LB Willie Young
Jordan Howard has been a surprise this year, and with Jeremy Langford’s slow start, he took the starting job rather quickly. He has racked up 883 yards this year, at a 4.9 yards/carry average. On the other side of the ball is a familiar face, and one we need to keep aware of, Willie Young has recorded 7.5 sacks on the season and leads the team.
Prediction: Bears 10, Lions 34
