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Bears at Lions Game Preview

Conor Agnew

The Lions couldn’t have picked a better team to face this week to extend their win streak to five games. The Bears are a division rival, so a win will help the Lions improve their division record and also extend their overall win total over the Packers and Vikings. It’s the perfect opponent for a playoff bound Lions team to continue to roll.

The Bears have the potential to keep this game close though. Barkley has looked pretty good for a backup playing on a talent poor Bears offense (PFF gave him a 83.8 for his game against the 49ers) and he’s taking strides to get better each week. That being said, the Lions just made Drew Brees look silly last week, so Barkley isn’t the player that’s going to scare this Lions defense.

Jordon Howard however, could be that player. Howard has been the biggest bright spot on this Bears roster this year and he’s got big play ability. Stopping him is the key to stopping the Bears offense.

The Lions are coming off of a statement game last week, not only by beating the Saints in New Orleans but by dominating on defense. Golden Tate has continued to blossom into the receiver that the Lions thought they were getting when they paid for him, and it’s clear he’s building good chemistry with Stafford. He currently leads in the NFL’s WRs in yards after the catch.

The Lions are now in a position to fight the Seahawks for the #2 seed in the NFC playoff. A win against the Bears brings them closer to a potential bye week and extends their lead in the NFC North.

Players to Watch

Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard

Howard is the most exciting player on this entire Bears team, and like I said earlier stopping him is the key to stopping this entire Bears offense. Forcing Barkley to beat them through the air is the best way for the Lions to get the win.

Howard is set to get a ton of carries this game. John Fox knows that the best way for his team to keep pace with the Lions is to control the ball and dominate time of possession. If the Bears are going to get the upset, they’re going to do it through running the football.

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Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford

Stafford is the player to watch this week for the Lions because of his terrible performance against the Bears when they played earlier this season. He threw for only 213 yards in that game and 2 picks, ending the game with a quarterback rating of 40.8. Stafford has the chance to light it up this game and put the memory of that game behind him, something that will help as he prepares for the playoffs.

Prediction

I’m not a big believer in “trap games”, so I think the Lions can win this one handedly. They should be prepared and able to get the win on Sunday and then start preparing for facing the Giants.

Chicago Bears: 17

Detroit Lions: 28

The Bears have the ability to put up some points, especially if Barkley keeps improving. The Lions may give up a couple scores, but they should put up enough points to get the win and get another much needed win.

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