Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: What to watch for in week 11

The Detroit Lions will spend their Sunday trying to stay on their winning streak as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bears.

After a strong finish last week the Detroit Lions will look to continue this winning streak in Chicago. Last year’s game a Soldier Field turned into a mess, as Golden Tate was benched, and Jim Caldwell looked like he wouldn’t last another week.

Let’s look into some keys for this week’s game.

1. No Ansah

Ezekiel Ansah isn’t going to be on the field Sunday, and that’s going to be a problem for the Lions. Though he hasn’t been as productive recently, he still is a starting caliber player that can hold the edge at the least. The backups, specifically Cornelius Washington and Jeremiah Valoaga will need to step their game up.

I think not having Ansah on the field will make Anthony Zettel shine as well. He’s been outstanding throughout this entire season. Tomorrow’s game could be his coming out party though. He’s going to be the best defensive end out there, and he might be the best defensive end on the Lions for years to come.

2. Stafford in the cold

As I currently sit in Chicago watching the snow falling it got me thinking. It’s that time of year again, where quarterbacks have to battle the elements. Now according to my strong weather source (the internet), it shouldn’t snow on Sunday, but it will be cold.

Recently, Matthew Stafford has played well in outdoor games, but the cold always brings something else to the table. Little things like cold hands can actually make a big difference. If Stafford’s performance stays hot in the cold I don’t know how the Lions don’t make the playoffs.

3. Chicago’s young talent

The Bears have a lot of good young players. Their tandem of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen is dangerous. It’s the one-two punch that teams would dream of. Howard taking the ball up the middle, and Cohen changing the pace is a beautiful mix. It’s what Lions fans wish Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick would do. Getting a good grasp on them will not be easy, but if they do the Bears offense will have a rough day.

Next: Predictions for Lions at Bears

Their other young talent is at quarterback. Mitchell Trubisky has been decent, but surprisingly, when he has to throw a lot the Bears are actually worse. So the Lions should try to get the ball in his hands as much as possible if they want to win. Obviously, that could be dangerous, as Trubisky has talent and could go off if he’s tested. Still, make him beat you and not the running game.