Lions vs. Bears: Preview, score prediction for Week 11

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

A year ago, it was the Detroit Lions that got off to a 9-4 start only to lose their last three games and the division title to the Green Bay Packers. This season, they and the Pack are both two games behind the Minnesota Vikings.

There’s still a lot of 201 left and the Men from Motown are certainly in prime position to make a run at winning their first division title since 1993. But the Lions must continue to win. And the improving Chicago Bears won’t go down easy on Sunday at Soldier Field.

Keys to Victory

Save for one disastrous afternoon at the Superdome, it’s been another big year for Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford. In nine games this season, he’s thrown for 2,461 yards and 17 scores compared to only five interceptions. However, he’s been sacked 30 times and lost four of his six fumble. And four of this total nine turnovers have been taken back for touchdowns.

If Fox’s team is to come away with a victory on Sunday, the league ninth-ranked defense needs to come up with some big plays. It’s a Chicago team that has just 11 takeaways in nine games. However, that’s the number the Bears finished with a season ago as they forced the fewest turnovers in the NFL.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Lions (-3)
Moneyline: Lions -110, Bears -115
Over/Under: 40.5

Prediction

It is probably safe to say that the Detroit Lions will move the ball between the 20s on Sunday. But also don’t be surprised when the team is bailed out by kicker Matt Prater. The Chicago Bears will also have success offensively, but rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky may make one mistake too many against a club that has forced 18 turnovers in nine contests.

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A victory here would give Jim Caldwell’s team a 3-0 record within the division and all those victories on the road. It adds up to another gritty loss for the improving Bears.

Final Score: Detroit Lions: 19, Chicago Bears: 14