Bears vs. Lions Pick
Can the Detroit Lions take care of business at home on Sunday when they host the Chicago Bears, or are they set for a letdown?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Lions are favored at home on Sunday, as they are getting odds of -7.5 points against the Bears. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 43.5 points. The Bears own a 17-14 win over Detroit in Chicago back on Oct. 2. However, the Lions have won six of the last seven in this series. The Bears are 3-1 against the spread in the last four against Detroit.
The Lions are coming off a 28-13 win over the Saints in New Orleans last week to move to 8-4 on the season and take firm control in the NFC North. Detroit is also is 8-4 against the spread. The Lions have won and covered in seven of their last eight games. The Lions defense is on a nice run, holding their last six opponents to 20 points or less. They are giving up just 20.9 points per game on the year. The unit could be without Ezekiel Ansah, who is questionable with an ankle injury. Offensively, Detroit is putting up 22.9 points per game. They have a real lack of a run game, as they average just 81.2 yards per game on the ground. Matthew Stafford has made up for the lack of a run game, as he has thrown for 3,224 yards and 21 touchdowns with five interceptions. His 100.5 QBR Rating ranks sixth in the NFL.
Chicago is coming off a 26-6 win over San Francisco last week to snap a three-game losing streak. The Bears are now 3-9 on the season and 5-7 against the spread. Chicago actually has a pretty good defense. The Bears are giving up just 22.5 points and 342.6 yards per game. They give up just 236.1 passing yards per contest. The unit could be without some key linebackers this week as Pernell McPhee and Willie Young are both questionable to play. Offensively, Chicago is putting up just 17 points and 359.8 yards per game. Chicago is down to Matt Barkley at QB. He has thrown for 589 yards and three touchdowns this season with four interceptions. He will be without Alshon Jeffery, who is suspended for one more game. Jordan Howard has been leading the offense with 883 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
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The Lions had one of their most impressive games in some time with their 28-13 win at New Orleans. The Lions dominated on both sides of the ball and showed they could be a legit contender in the NFC. Still, this could be a trap game as Chicago’s defense held the Lions in check earlier this year. Despite that, I think Detroit knows how golden of an opportunity they have. Look for them to play well and take care of business at home, led by their defense against a poor Chicago offense.
NFL WEEK 14 PICK: DETROIT LIONS -7.5