Detroit Lions predictions 2017: Week 11 at Chicago Bears
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ week 11 road game against the Chicago Bears.
Each week, the Detroit Jock City staff will make their picks for that week’s Detroit Lions game with a quick take on the matchup and a final score.
This week sees the Lions hit the road for their final division road game of 2017. With road wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers under their belt, the Lions look to finish off the road sweep this week by beating the Bears in Chicago. Here is what the DJC staff sees for this week’s game against the Bears.
Mike Rizzo (7-2) – Even though this game should be a “easy win” I’m still worried about it. The Bears always play the Lions tough and the game is in Chicago. I think the Lions win but on a last second Matt Prater field goal. Lions 17, Bears 14
Bruce Walker (6-3) – The Lions have beaten the Bears seven of the past eight games over the last four years. The game features two first round quarterbacks that will start under center for their respective teams but that is as far as the comparison can be taken. Let me see…Matthew Stafford or Mitch Trubisky…such a dilemma! Not really. While Trubisky has done some good things, Matthew Stafford is going to be the difference in this game.
The Bears have an average or better defense with their passing D actually the tenth best in the NFL. The Bears rank even better in their offensive rushing game, ranking ninth best in the league. The Bears will not roll over and hibernate for this game but the Lions will prevail as they finally get their entire offensive line back for the first time this season! It will allow Stafford to do his thing, resulting in a Detroit Lions win at Soldier Field. Lions 27, Bears 17
Matt Snyder (5-4) – The Detroit Lions have a favorable schedule coming up and need to take advantage of it if they’re to catch the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North standings. Detroit can’t afford to look past the Bears in anticipation of next week’s big Thanksgiving day game. Bears 23, Lions 20
Jack Ozark (5-4) – No pick
Zac Snyder (4-5) – Lions fans like getting some jollies at the expense of thei Bears and their struggles (I’m certainly no exception) but this is not a game to take lightly. The Lions’ loss at Soldier Field was a low-point in the season and even the win at Ford Field was far too close for comfort.
After some historically bad defensive teams, the Bears have made serious strides on that side of the ball. They aren’t a complete team yet, but they do pose a threat this week. I just see it more likely the Lions win than lose. Lions 23, Bears 20
Zack Caldwell (4-5) – These next two games are the turning point. If Detroit wins the next two games and go to 7-4, the Lions put themselves in the driver seat for a playoff spot. Lose the next two and the season goes down the drain. The Bears are a nuisance. They are bad enough where you lull yourself into thinking it’s an easy game, but pesky enough to give you hell and upset you. Stopping the run on first down will be pivotal. The Bears do not trust Mitchell Trubisky to be the main cog for victory. If the Lions can contain the run and protect the ball, they will win an ugly one. Lions 23, Bears 16
Matt Bosko (4-5) – The Lions are putting it all together at the right time. While they are not playing the most consistent brand of football for all four quarters, the team has been able to dominate in the game’s most crucial moments. The return of Lang and Golladay gives Jim Bob Cooter and the offense a full compliment of weapons for the first time this season. I see Matthew Stafford sitting comfortably in the pocket and picking apart the Bears’ defense en route to a convincing division road win.
The defense, which has been both stout and opportunistic this season, is going to make Mitchell Trubisky’s rookie campaign even more difficult. Teryl Austin’s top priority must be to contain running backs Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen, and force the rookie quarterback to beat them downfield. Given that, I see the Lions secondary forcing at least two turnovers in this one. Lions 34, Bears 17
Ash Thompson (3-6) – The Lions defense is too good at defending what the Bears do to lose this game. The Bears will need Mitch Trubisky to pick apart the Lions secondary. Given the weapons at his disposal that is just not going to happen. Unfortunately for the Bears, they’re a good offseason away from threatening the division. Lions 25, Bears 10
Colton Wesley (3-6) – No pick
Next: What to watch for in week 11
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