This has been repeated over and over again through the course of the season, but allow us to say this again: the Chicago Bears’ defense are out for blood. The Bears torched the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11, giving Chicago a 7-3 win and expanded lead atop the NFC North. As for the Lions, they are still on the bottom of the division with a 4-6 record, but it’s far from over for Matthew Stafford and company. Which team will make it out of Thanksgiving Day with a win?
Last Sunday, the Bears’ stop unit left another offense badly beaten and bloodied during a 25-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings at home. Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins never got his rhythm going because Chicago simply didn’t allow him to find it. He was sacked twice for a loss of 16 yards and threw a pair of interceptions, with one ending in a pick-six touchdown. The Bears’ defense is going to be a huge problem for Detroit, especially the pair of Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks, who combined for two sacks. Mack and the Bears’ pass rush feasted on the Lions’ weak offensive line during Week 10’s 34-22 home win in which Chicago sacked Matthew Stafford six times and had two picks off of him. Chicago running back Jordan Howard and the rest of the Bears’ backfield can take advantage of Detroit’s defense against the run that entered Week 11 averaging 132.7 rushing yards allowed per game.
The Bears are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 road games.
Betting on the Detroit Lions (4-6)
The Lions finally arrested their three-game skid on Sunday, when they beat the Carolina Panthers at home to the tune of a 20-19 score. Detroit, however, wasn’t going to end the week without a piece of bad news. Lions running back Kerryon Johnson suffered a knee injury in the third period of the Panthers game and was not able to return to action. With the Lions on a short week, it’s very possible that Johnson will not be able to play on Thanksgiving Day. In that case, Detroit will likely have a committee approach against Chicago with LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick sharing duties in the backfield. Also, that would mean a bigger load on Stafford and Detroit’s passing attack. Stafford passed for 220 yards and a touchdown on 23-of-37 completions against Carolina, and with an apparently sturdier pass protection in front of him, he’ll look to deal more damage on the Bears’ defense this Thursday.
The Lions are 3-2 SU and ATS when playing at home this season.
