Bears vs. Lions Prediction |
Another miserable season of Chicago Bears football is winding down, with just three weeks remaining in the regular season. Once again, things went south for this team in a hurry. The once 4-2 Bears have dropped eight straight and are now sitting at 4-10. In the process, they have fired their OC and HC and continue to find new ways to lose each week, as 2024 has been challenging, to say the least.
Even with the struggles, there have been some positives, with Caleb Williams being the obvious positive. After a rough start to the season, Williams has now gone nine games without throwing an INT and has set the rookie record for consecutive passes without an INT. He has done that by setting the franchise rookie record in passing yards and TDs as he continues to prove he was well worth the first-round pick. Looking at the final three games for the Bears, they have one of the toughest schedules in the league and a chance to play spoiler to three playoff-caliber teams. If they can do that, those would be moral victories for a team doing everything in their power to find victories. Here are some things to look for in week 16:
Everyone knows that when the calendar turns to December or January, it gets very cold in Chicago. Along with that comes Soldier Field, which has become one of the most challenging venues to play in as you never know what you will get weather-wise. Chicago hopes to use that to their advantage against the Lions this week as Detroit continues to battle for the No. 1 seed. No one will argue that Detroit has a fantastic team and has had an amazing start to the season at 12-2. As good as their start has been, the injuries are starting to pile up for this team, and you have to wonder how much longer they can stay afloat. Another reason they have gotten off to the start they have has been their schedule, as Detroit has played 13 of their first 14 games indoors and will play 14 of 17 indoors this season. Sunday will mark Detroit's second outdoor game of the season, and it will be the first of two to close out the year. If there was ever a time to cash in on that opportunity, this would be the week, as Chicago could be the spoilers this week.
No one will sit here and tell you that the Bears are a good team, but they are a much better team than their record shows. Looking back at the games they have lost this season and how they lost them, you could make the case that his team should be 9-5, if not 10-4. We certainly wouldn't be talking coaching change this offseason had they been able to pull that off. Looking back at the Bears' losses this season, there are several you can point to as painful losses, with the Lions being one of those games. The Bears met the Lions the first time on Thanksgiving. Trailing by three late in the game, the Bears had the ball with one timeout and a chance to win. That is when the weirdest thing happened. Eberflus chose to keep that timeout in his back pocket, thus eliminating any chance for the Bears to rally late. It was the fourth time in five games that the Bears let a late play determine the outcome of their game. They need to use that as motivation this week and get back on the winning track.
While the Lions' injuries continue to mount at a pace we have never seen before, the Bears are also starting to see their share of injuries, with theirs being less severe than some. However, one player who is considered a major loss is Jaquon Brisker, who will be out again with concussion-like symptoms. Brisker has been a massive part of the Bears defense for the past few years, and when he is on the field, the defense is that much better. Not only has Brisker been off the field for what feels like a month, but it's starting to look like you won't be seeing him at any point this season. That is a huge loss when you look at some of the passing attacks the Bears are up against in the final three weeks, as they could use his help at every level of the defense.
Despite these teams being separated by eight games in the standings, never count out the Bears, as divisional games are always played games. You saw that earlier this season when the clock saved the Lions, but the Bears also came within one play of beating Washington, Green Bay, and Minnesota, which are currently playoff teams. That alone shows you that the Bears can play with anyone, and they have shown that on several occasions this season. Divisional game or not, Detroit is reeling, and if you want to beat them, now is the time. Look for this to be a high-scoring game, but in the end, the Bears don't have enough in them to get it done as the Lions pick up the 35-31 win.Play to the elements
Use Thanksgiving as motivation
Will we see Jaquon Brisker again?
Prediction: Lions win 35-31
