The Chicago Bears will host the Detroit Lions in an NFC North battle in NFL Week 4 action.
After the Green Bay Packers took down the Detroit Lions in Week 3, the Lions will now travel for another NFC North road matchup, this time against the Chicago Bears.
This game between the two bottom teams in the division may not have major postseason implications, but it should be a fun rivalry matchup to check out.
The start of the 2016 season could not be going worse for the Bears. They not only enter Week 4 with a record of 0-3, they are struggling with injuries all across their roster.
The Bears are not only without starting quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Jeremy Langford, they are also missing major defensive pieces like LB Danny Trevathan, DT Eddie Goldman, OLB Pernell McPhee and CB Kyle Fuller.
The Bears defense has struggled to stop anybody in recent weeks, and I doubt that changes much against the Lions this week. Matthew Stafford has led an explosive Lions passing attack this season. Their defense has let them down more often than not, but Stafford has been able to consistently move the ball through the air this season.
Wide receiver Marvin Jones has become a top-notch number one option for Stafford in the passing game, and he is coming off of a six reception for 205 yards and two touchdown performance against the Packers. Expect Jones to be heavily involved against the Bears on Sunday.
While it may not be quite as bad as the Bears’ situation, the Lions have struggled with many injuries as well. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and linebacker DeAndre Levy continue to miss time, and those are major losses on the defensive side of the ball.
The Lions are also without starting running back Ameer Abdullah. Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington should be able to carry the load well without Abdullah, but his big-time play-making ability will be missed.
With Jones, Riddick and Golden Tate making plays in the passing game, Stafford should be able to put up points against a hobbled Bears defense. Can Brian Hoyer and company keep up against a under-manned Lions defense?
Alshon Jeffery figures to be a major part of the Bears’ attack. The Lions’ secondary leaves plenty to be desired. Brian Hoyer may not be a high-level NFL quarterback, but he knows how to get his play-makers the ball.
Jeffery, Kevin White and running back Jordan Howard could do some serious damage against the Lions’ defense in this one. Do we have a potential shootout on our hands?
Odds
Line: DET -2
Over/Under: 46
The Lions are not world-beaters, but I am surprised by the line here. I expect Detroit to be bigger favorites against such a struggling Bears’ team, even at Soldier Field. The Over/Under is a bit on the low side.
There might be some nice money-making opportunity in this game.
Prediction
I am not counting the Bears out in any way. That being said, what we have seen from this team through three weeks has been nothing short of awful. They simply are not playing well and do not have the depth to deal with the injuries that they have suffered.
The Lions are the more talented team, but it is not like they come into this game as world beaters. Stafford and company always struggle with consistency. It would not surprise me in the least to see them come into Soldier Field and lay an egg.
That being said, as awful as they have looked, I cannot pick the Bears. Give me the Lions in this one, as Stafford, Jones and company prove to be too much for them to handle.
Pick: Detroit Lions 28, Chicago Bears 20