With both teams out of the playoffs and nursing plenty of injuries, today's NFC North meeting between the Bears and Lions won't be aesthetically pleasing. Regardless, I'll tell you what to watch for at Ford Field. Get your Gameday Preview on!
(6-9) Chicago Bears at
(2-13) Detroit Lions
The Lions won't have first overall pick Matthew Stafford on the field after his recent knee surgery, so Daunte Culpepper will start under center. He's nowhere near the talent he used to be, but he will be fired up and looking to impress the other 31 teams in the league. Without a consistent running game though, he'll have a hard time fooling the Bears' defense. (I hope anyway.) Marred by injuries (Charles Tillman and Israel Idonije out, Danieal Manning doubtful), Lovie Smith's defense will need to fill their gaps and avoid giving up big plays. If they can, it shouldn't be difficult keeping the lowly Lions under 17 points. Calvin Johnson will get 100 yards in receiving today. Take that to the bank.
That should be more than low enough. Jay Cutler and the offense should have no trouble tearing apart the second-worst defense (worst pass defense) in the NFL. Matt Forte should get a ton of carries and a rare 100-yard game to end the regular season. Johnny Knox is doubtful with his ankle injury from last week, but Devin Hester will return to the field in his absence. Devin Aromashodu is going to see plenty of balls his way in the season finale.
Odds: Chicago is favored by 3.5 on the road.
Prediction: The Bears should (note my italicized emphasis) be able to handle the 2-13 Lions. Honestly, I would not be surprised in the least if they found a way to lose. Still, Bears win by at least 7.
Message to Lovie Smith, his staff and players: Act like your jobs are on the line. With plenty of turnover coming, Lovie Smith's players will be competing for their Chicago futures against the lowly Lions, so I'm expecting to see a solid effort. If I don't, Smith will be fired.
Check back this week for a Bears season wrap-up! Try and enjoy the game. Try.
