Detroit Lions game predictions vs. Chicago Bears: Bounce-back expected after Panthers loss
Free Press sports writers predict the winnner of Sunday's Detroit Lions game vs. the Chicago Bears (1p.m., Fox) at Ford Field:
Carlos Monarrez
The 3-12 Bears have lost eight straight games, which makes them the Titanic, if the Titanic was on fire with a leaky nuclear reactor on board and about to hit an iceberg. Even Justin Fields’ legs can’t save the Bears in this game, when their only hope would have been to catch an over-confident Lions team coming off an easy win in Carolina. The clock’s already ticking on the second Matt (Eberflus, the Bears' head coach) and Ryan (Poles, the Bears' GM) team. Anyone got Mike Ditka’s number? The pick: Lions 35, Bears 20.
Evan Petzold
Here's what matters most: The Lions have something to play for in a postseason berth, whereas the Bears trail the Houston Texas by a half-game in the race for the No. 1 overall pick. An embarrassing loss to the Panthers shouldn't carry over into Sunday's game, as the Lions were adamant about their ability to manage adversity and respond accordingly. Fields presents a problem for any defense, but if the Lions can keep him from making big plays, especially on the ground, the Bears' offense isn't versatile enough to adjust. And Goff has put the Lions' offense on cruise control by avoiding turnovers. Expect a lot of points, and a Lions victory in the final game at Ford Field. The pick: Lions 37, Bears 31.
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Jeff Seidel
Ford Field is gonna be loud and crazy, and the Lions will bounce back from that disappointment against the Carolina Panthers with an impressive performance. Yes, it’s time to scoreboard watch. Yes, it’s time to hope for some help. If good teams beat bad teams — both in Detroit and across the NFL — the Lions will be in good shape. Get ready for a showdown in Green Bay. The pick: Lions 27, Bears 17.
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Shawn Windsor
Justin Fields is worth 23 point almost by himself. The Lions will be better in their gaps but he’ll still get loose. Jared Goff will make the throws late to set up the showdown in Green Bay. This team has shown resilience for most of this season and will shake off their performance in Charlotte. They will be ready in a way they weren’t against the Panthers. The pick: Lions 26, Bears 23.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions predictions vs. Bears: Playoff hopes stay alive
