Detroit vs. Everybody: 98 Percent of NFL Experts Predict Lions to Defeat Bears

Lions overwhelming favorite to defeat Bears.

The Detroit Lions are eight-point betting favorites to defeat the Chicago Bears in Week 11 at Ford Field. 

After winning a shootout on the road against the Chargers, the Lions return home seeking to improve their play defensively. 

According to NFL Pickwatch, 98 percent of NFL analysts are picking the Lions to improve their record on the 2023 season to 8-2 by defeating the 3-7 Bears. 

Despite being favorites, Detroit's coaching staff understands the challenges its NFC North rival presents, especially defending the rushing attack. 

“This is a dangerous defense. These guys are very good. They have not been healthy until recently, and it’s almost like they’ve taken off the training wheels, scheme-wise," said Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. "Last year was very vanilla, this year is not the case. They played on Thursday, so they’ve had a little extra time to prepare. I have a feeling he’s going to throw some stuff at us that we haven’t seen on tape, which that’ll be good, with some in-game adjustments for us to deal with. But, personnel-wise, was upgraded significantly on all three levels." 

Despite Chicago being under .500, the Lions have observed that the Bears play with effort and have steadily improved the past month. 

"The DBs are playing really well there. A lot of them are second-year players that are showing up or -- they’ve got a rookie and they’ve got (Jaylon) Johnson," said Johnson. "I mean, they’ve got guys, talent across the board here. So, we have to be very sound in what we do. I know, I’ve had a lot of respect for this head coach. 

"I remember when he was in Indy and I was in Miami and we played them. And, it might’ve been his first year there, and you could tell those guys were playing with technique and fundamentals and it shows up again on this tape right now. So, it’s a good unit, they’re talented and a tough scheme to attack.”