Bears vs. Lions Prediction: Can Bears play spoiler? |
The Holiday season continues for the Bears this weekend as they travel to Detroit to take on the Lions. This is not the same Lions team as old, with Dan Cambell having his group at 7-8 and in contention for the final playoff spot.
That is more than the Bears can say as they are not only 3-12, but are in the running for the top pick in the NFL Draft, or at worst, a top-three selection. There were a lot of question marks all week surrounding Justin Fields and if the Bears should play him or sit him the rest of the season. Eberflus answered those questions by saying he would play even if it may not be the best option. Regardless of Fields and his status, it will be challenging for the Bears on Sunday as they look to ring in the New Year with a win. Here are some things to look for on Sunday:
There hasn't been too much for Bears fans to get excited about apart from the growth of Fields. However, two weeks are still left in the regular season, which gives the Bears two opportunities to end the season on a high note. Most importantly, a win on Sunday would allow Chicago to play spoiler as they could single-handedly end the Lions playoff hopes. A win by the Bears can all but eliminate the Lions from playoff contention, which would be a massive blow for a team that has improved so much. A loss for Chicago further improves their chances of getting that number one pick, but it should cement the Bears in the top three of the NFL draft. Throw the records out the window. There is a lot at stake on Sunday for both sides.
Since being drafted in 2019, David Montgomery has emerged as a reliable running back and one of the best in the NFL. After nearly rushing for 1000 yards as a rookie, Montgomery has topped the century mark once and has come close every season. He is putting up numbers not seen since the Jordan Howard and Matt Forte days which is a pleasant sight for the Bears and their fans. However, this season has not been as enjoyable for Montgomery as he missed some time at the beginning of the season with an injury and hasn't been able to find his normal groove since. A big reason for that was the emergence of Khalil Herbert to take snaps away, but also a QB that has topped the 1000-yard mark this season. With two weeks left in the regular season, this could be the end of the road for Montgomery with the Bears, as he will be searching for a new contract this off-season.
The story of Goff is an interesting one, but one that should come with some notice. He was the former No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams, turned into an MVP candidate, and led the Rams to the Superbowl within his first four seasons. However, with the good comes the bad, and Goff saw his time with the Rams end on a rather sour note as the Rams felt they peaked with him at the helm. That forced their hand to make a trade for Matthew Stafford as the Lions acquired Goff and several draft picks for Stafford. The Rams won that trade last season by winning the Superbowl, but the Lions are winning the trade now and for the next several years. Goff didn't have a great first season in Detroit, and no one will argue that. However, year two is a different story, especially at Ford Field, where Goff has played like an MVP candidate. He nearly beat the 49ers in this building, defeated the Vikings, and has thrown 22 TDs compared to just 3 INT at home. Those are incredible numbers and a huge reason why the Lions offense has been one of the best offenses in the NFL. To beat the Lions, you must slow them down offensively and force Goff into making mistakes. That is much easier said than done at Ford Field, and the results prove that.
Lions When the season started, everyone expected this game to determine last place in the NFC North with potential draft positioning on the line. Instead, this has turned into a game with meaning for both sides, as the Bears are trying to spoil the Lions party while Detroit is looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2015. Given what we have seen from the Lions offense at home, this has the potential to be a very high-scoring game. However, their improving defense has led to their turnaround, as they have gone 6-2 over their last eight games. Expect Fields and the Bears offense to keep things close, but will their defense be able to match their intensity. I like the Lions to keep their season alive for one more week as they survive a 34-30 scare. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5WLxOp-EHsTime to play spoiler
Last hurrah for David Montgomery
Slow down Jared Goff
Prediction: 34-30 Lions over Bears
