Somehow, since firing head coach Matt Eberflus the morning after a Thanksgiving Day loss in Detroit, things have only gotten worse on the field for the Bears.
The offense hasn’t scored a point in the first half since Week 12 against Minnesota. It’s the first time the franchise has been shut out in the first 30 minutes of three consecutive games since 1933. On the flip side, the defense has allowed 68 points in two games since firing Eberflus.
However, despite the Bears’ underwhelming play (since October) and the fact the Lions are an offensive juggernaut on their way to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, this week provides an interesting opportunity for Chicago.
Currently, Detroit has 21 players on injured reserve including 16 on the defensive side of the ball. On Sunday, the Lions will be without Alim McNeill (torn ACL) and Carlton Davis III (fractured jaw), who were injured against the Bills last Sunday. They’ve already been without Aidan Hutchinson and Malcolm Rodriguez.
So, the question for Sunday is: can Caleb Williams get his groove back against a depleted Lions defense?
It would help if Williams had a somewhat healthy line in front of him. Braxton Jones is still in concussion protocol despite being a full participant in practice during the week and Teven Jenkins was limited in practice on Friday with a calf injury. Both players are questionable for Sunday.
If not, at least fans will get another up-close look at head coaching candidate Ben Johnson – this time in Bear Weather.
Adam Hoge (7-7)
Perhaps the weather will help keep this game in check for a while, but I can’t get the first half of the first meeting out of my head. The Lions probably should have been winning 35-0 at halftime. Detroit simply has the better team and will pull away from a Bears offense that is severely slumping again.
Lions 27, Bears 17
Patrick Norton (8-6)
In the kindest way, come on. It’s the Lions. It’s the Bears. Yes, Jared Goff struggles in the elements and the Lions have only played one game outdoors this year. Yes, it’ll be below-freezing and windy on Sunday off the lake. But again, it’s the Lions and it’s the Bears.
Chicago’s offense has been wholly unimpressive for the majority of the season, but my concern on Sunday is for the Bears’ defense. Since Matt Eberflus was fired and Eric Washington took over play-calling duties, Chicago’s defensive unit has allowed 38 to the 49ers and now 30 to the Vikings. The Lions are the best of those three and, despite missing David Montgomery, should be able to run the ball down Chicago’s throat with Jahmyr Gibbs.
🏈 Caleb Williams’ inaccuracy is a problem. He knows it, too. Can it get better by Sunday?
Lions 40, Bears 17
Mark Carman (11-3)
Will the Bears win another game? Yes! But perhaps not this year. Not practicing at all this week does not give me confidence they can beat Detroit on Sunday. The Lions are the better team with a lot to play for.
LIONS 27, Bears 13
Corey Wootton (9-5)
Bears continue to struggle as a team. Detroit is a well-oiled machine looking to tune up for the playoffs.
Lions 31, Bears 14
Greg Braggs Jr. (8-6)
I wanted to pick the Bears to win. I really did. But BEAR WEATHER won’t be enough to tip the scales. And like the Bears vs Minnesota, the Bears had their chance 1st time around. Detroit won’t be playing with their food again just as the Vikings didn’t. I still think the Lions are the NFC Super Bowl representative. Regardless of injuries, they have that look. Must be nice.
LIONS 30, Bears 20
Stephen Nicholas (9-5)
I don’t think many (any?) of us go into this game with high hopes. The Lions have scored 30+ points in a game seven times, 40+ points five times and 50+ points twice. My point? Detroit stomps on teams and doesn’t let up. If the Bears start as slow as they have been, this could be a game where we see the backups get meaningful minutes. I usually try to find silver linings in my predictions. The silver lining this week is that the Bears get a firsthand look at Ben Johnson, who may very well be the leading candidate for the head coaching job in Chicago in 2025.
LIONS 37, Bears 14
Kevin Kaduk (8-6)
Take away any edge that you think Detroit’s injury situation or proclivity for playing indoors give the Bears because it all comes down to this: One team has something to play for, the other doesn’t. And the one that has something to play for is still much, much better.
