Bears vs. Lions Prediction
Will the Detroit Lions continue to surge on defense when they face the Chicago Bears today at 1PM ET?
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. These two have hit the under in three of their last four meetings.
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. Detroit has hit the under in six straight to move to 8-4 with the under this season. The reason for the unders is the defense, as they have held their last six opponents to 20 points or less. They are giving up just 20.9 points per game on the year. The defense could finally see the return of their captain at linebacker, DeAndre Levy. He has been out since after Week 1 with a quad injury but has practiced all week. 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. Stafford is expected to be without his center, Travis Swanson, who is dealing with a concussion.
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 7-5 with the under. 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. He will also likely be without Eddie Royal (toe) while Zach Miller (foot) has been on IR. Jordan Howard has been leading the offense with 883 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
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I don’t expect much from the Chicago offense in this game as they just have too many injuries to their skill positions. On the other side, Detroit had just 263 yards against this Chicago defense earlier this year. While I would expect some improved numbers, I don’t expect the Lions to put up enough to carry an over in this game.
NFL WEEK 14 PREDICTION: BEARS/LIONS UNDER 43.5