The Chicago Bears roared out to a 3-1 record to start the season before the wheels fell off, and the team lost four in a row. Since then, the team has won two of three, beating Detroit at home, losing in Los Angeles to the Rams, and then edging the New York Giants at home this past Sunday. Now the Bears head to Detroit to finish their season series with their longtime rivals.
The Lions started the season 2-0-1 but have since lost seven of eight, as quarterback Matthew Stafford went down for at least six weeks with back fractures. Jeff Driskel has played gamely in relief, but when the Lions lost in comeback fashion to the Washington Redskins last week, 19-16, it became clear that the Detroit season has become a dumpster fire.
Bears vs Lions 2019 NFL Week 13 Spread & Game Analysis
No bones about it… 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Gq9Oeo0XCe
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 28, 2019
- When: Thursday, November 28, 2019, 12:30 pm ET
- Where: Ford Field, Detroit
- TV: FOX
- Radio: Westwood One
- Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
- NFL Week 13 Odds: Chicago -1
Why should you bet on the Bears?
The Bears have linked their fortunes, at least for now, to quarterback Mitch Trubisky, and we saw the good and the bad in their win over the Giants. He went 25 for 41 for 278 yards and a score — but he also threw a pair of interceptions. Allen Robinson II caught six balls for 131 yards and a score, but it was that poor ball security that kept the Giants in the game. The Bears could not get much going on the ground against the Giants, as Tarik Cohen led the team with just 25 yards on six attempts.
The Bears’ defense stood tall, permitting just 243 yards (109 on the ground). They have permitted only 17.1 points per game, but the problem is that their scoring average is exactly the same. If you like Chicago in this game, you see that Bear defense shutting down an offense led by a backup quarterback. Jeff Driskel is more mobile than Matthew Stafford, but he has accuracy issues down the field, especially once he starts moving out of the pocket. It is hard to see the Lions getting beyond 14 points in this game.
Why should you put your money on the Lions?
Driskel’s issues with accuracy and judgment were on display against a dreadful Washington defense last week, as he went 20 for 33 for 207 and a score — but also three interceptions. The running game was solid, as Bo Scarborough, newly activated, rumbled for 98 yards on 18 scores. Kenny Golladay caught four balls for 61 yards but did not find the end zone. The Lions’ offense is limited by injuries, as not only is Staford out, but starting tailback Kerryon Johnson remains on the shelf as well.
The Lions’ defense played fairly well against Washington, but they did permit that late scoring drive against the Redskins. On the day, Washington picked up just 230 yards of total offense (including 189 yards of passing offense). However, when you keep turning the ball over, it is hard for the defense to keep the opposition off the scoreboard. On the season, Detroit is permitting 26.5 points per game and 409.8 yards of offense per contest. The Lions did keep the game close in Chicago, though, losing by just a touchdown, and in this storied rivalry, it is rare for the score to get out of hand. If you like Detroit, you see Driskel playing much more like he played against Dallas, when he led the Lions to 27 points and was able to find receivers down the field.
Final Score Prediction
Detroit and Chicago represent one of the great old-school NFL rivalries. I see the Bears coming out with a win because of their superior defense and because Jeff Driskel is likely to make at least one crucial mistake. I predict a final score of Chicago 23, Detroit 10.
