Predictions: Lions-Bears
When the Lions beat the Bears in Week 11, it was shocking, given the circumstances that led to the comeback victory. I don't expect Jared Goff to commit three turnovers in this week's meeting, meaning the defense should be in better position to stop the Bears' offense.
However, Justin Fields' mobility has routinely caused problems for Aaron Glenn's defense. Given his performance in Week 11, I don't expect that to change. Fields should have another strong day on the ground.
Calls for poor weather play into Detroit's favor. I believe the Lions will win with their dominant run game, but Fields and the Bears' offense keep it close until the very end.
Lions 21, Bears 17
On Sunday, the Lions will look to notch their fourth consecutive win against the Bears.
In order to pull out the win, Jared Goff must play a much cleaner game than he did in Detroit's first meeting with Chicago this season. In that aforementioned contest (a Week 11 tilt at home), the veteran signal-caller threw three interceptions, and nearly cost the Lions the divisional matchup.
Luckily for Detroit, though, Goff delivered some late-game heroics, David Montgomery provided some solid runs and Aidan Hutchinson came up with a game-sealing, strip-sack of Justin Fields.
I believe that Montgomery and Hutchinson will play significant roles in this Week 14 matchup, too. And, they'll help the Lions avoid losing this potential trap game.
Lions 27, Bears 24
I anticipate that this will be a heavy ground-focused game for the Lions, as they look to rely on Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to shoulder the load.
The defense still remains a pretty big question mark, but some timely stops and key plays would certainly bode well for Detroit. Jared Goff looked better against the Saints, so I expect that to continue, too.
On the other hand, the 4-8 Bears aren't a very good team this year. Their offense simply isn't deep enough to keep up with Goff and company. Additionally, the weather looks to be a factor, as well. So, I'll be keeping an eye on how that affects both teams.
Ultimately, I do think that the odds are slightly in Detroit's favor, so it will improve to 10-3 on the year.
Lions 20, Bears 17
The Lions are in a great position to go out on the road and defeat the Bears and sweep the season matchup.
Detroit's defense will contain Justin Fields and DJ Moore, while the offense looks to secure time of possession by running the football.
As long as Jared Goff plays a clean game, Detroit is the more talented squad.
Detroit's biggest area of concern is its play in the third quarter. If it has a subpar performance coming out of halftime, and in a close game, that could derail its chances of winning on the road.
Lions 27, Bears 24