Bold Predictions for Bears vs. Lions (Detroit Gets First Thanksgiving Win Since 2016)

Is there anything more bold than calling a Detroit Lions victory on Thanksgiving?

Considering their recent run of success, you'd almost have to say no! But, the Lions historically have actually been decent on Turkey Day over the life of the franchise. Via SideLion Report, Detroit is 37-42-2 all-time on Thanksgiving, but they've also lost 13 of their last 17 games.

As for their most recent win? You have to go back to 2016, when Detroit snagged a 16-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings as Matthew Stafford connected with Anquan Boldin for their only touchdown of the game.

Will history repeat itself in 2021 five years later?

Here are three bold predictions that bettors can back for the early matinee game between the Bears and Lions.

All odds are courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook:

Bold Predictions for Lions vs. Bears

• D'Andre Swift OVER 15.5 Rushing Attempts (+105)
• Andy Dalton OVER 0.5 Interceptions (+110)
• Lions +3 and +125 moneyline

D'Andre Swift OVER 15.5 Rushing Attempts (+105)

The odds are shifting back towards the Lions' side as the Bears and their coaching staff continue to dribble gravy all over themselves heading into the game. Chicago has lost five straight, including a heartbreaker to the Ravens at home without their two best offensive weapons in Lamar Jackson and Marquise "Hollywood Brown."

There's also been reports throughout the week that Nagy's last game would be on Thanksgiving before being let go. Rather than address it with the team, via to the Chicago Tribune, Nagy met with ownership but wouldn't go into details with the players about what it entailed, citing "no one knows what tomorrow will bring." He also reportedly cancelled all the team's meetings for the rest of the day.

So what does this have to do with D'Andre Swift? The Bears are on the verge of rock bottom, which gives the Lions their best chance at a victory the rest of the season. If this game is close, Dan Campbell has indicated he trusts Swift with the ball in his hands to carry the load; as evidenced by his 30+ carries in the Steelers game.

While Swift hasn't gone above this number more than once, the Bears set up to get gashed on the ground this week with Akiem Hicks out of the lineup. I'm projected 18-22 carries for Swift in a close, low scoring game and Campbell will do everything he can to make sure his best player has the ball if there's a shot at a "W."

Andy Dalton OVER 0.5 Interceptions (+110)

While Dalton was brought in initially to be the "QB1," he now gets to have that role for at least one more week as rookie Justin Fields recovers from a rib injury. Dalton took several shots downfield last week, completing 11 passes for 201 yards on 23 attempts in the loss vs. the Ravens. With Allen Robinson doubtful, it will once again be the Darnell Mooney show for Chicago against one of the worst secondaries in the league.

Between Chicago's struggling offensive line, and several receivers that Dalton hasn't thrown to in over 2 and 1/2 months, they're bound to get mixed up at some point, even against a bad defense.

Even if it's not necessarily his fault, I still predict Dalton gets picked off at least one time.

Lions +3 and +125 moneyline

As a Bears fan, it hurts to even type this into existence, but I have to call it like I see it!

Unless this is Chicago's "win one for the Gipper" game and they come out and dominate the Lions from start to finish, they're showcasing all the signs of a broken team with no more life and not much left to play for, especially with the future of their franchise out in Justin Fields.

Right now, the line at WynnBET has actually moved back down to Lions -3; right back where it opened. Chicago money came in but was immediately bet back down following the chaos ensuing with Matt Nagy's job security.

The Lions schedule is the 11th most difficult the remaining six games of the season. They will not get a more winnable game than this one, so they must take advantage of the situation. Despite an 0-9-1 record, Detroit is somehow 6-4 against the spread this season, so it hasn't been a complete disaster for the bettors who have taken their side.

Regardless, if the Lions let another win slip away, another 0 win season is far more likely.