Detroit Lions predictions 2017: Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears

The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ week 15 home 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.

The Lions not only helped themselves in clinging to playoff hopes by beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but they also got some help with both AFC West contenders losing. Once again, the Lions can only worry about taking care of their own business as winning out is the only way the Lions can start to feel better about their playoff hopes. This week’s “business” is the Chicago Bears.

Here is what the DJC writers see for today’s game.

Mike Rizzo (9-4) – The Detroit Lions face another must win game today at Ford Field. The Chicago Bears come to town and always play the Lions tough. This will be a good old low scoring NFC North battle between these two rivals. Again I don’t have a lot of confidence in the Lions winning this game. I think Chicago ends the Lions playoff hopes. Bears 17, Lions 13

Bruce Walker (8-5) – When the Chicago Bears travel to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions, they will bring a team that has allowed 55 fewer points scored against them that the Lions can claim on the season. The Lions have posted a disappointing 2-4 record at home this year. For some reason, it seems that they cannot start until spotting the other team 10 points or so.

The Lions are capable of scoring enough points to stay with anyone (ranked 5th in the NFL) – which is good because they also give up a ton of points (ranked 28th). The Bears rank 30th in points scored and are middle of the pack for defense. Again, this game is one that the Lions really should win. At the same time, do not underestimate the Bears. 75% of their wins have come against teams that have beaten the Lions and their first game against Detroit was a loss by three. I am going to believe that they will. Lions 27, Bears 17

Matt Snyder (8-5) – The Bears haven’t won in Detroit, and have beaten the Lions only once, since President Obama’s first term in office. With their season on life support, the Lions will have to keep that home winning streak alive in order to maintain playoff hopes. Hopefully a strong crowd shows up in voice to give the Lions the home field advantage they’ll need. Lions 27, Bears 23

Matt Bosko (7-6) – This is an especially tough matchup to predict. The Detroit Lions (7-6) have arguably played worse than their record indicates, while the opposite can be said for the visiting Chicago Bears (4-9). The Bears took the Lions to the wire in Week 11, as it took a 52-yard field goal by Matt Prater to give the Lions the edge. It all depends how the Lions come out of the gate in this one. Without Rick Wagner and Travis Swanson anchoring the offensive line, I expect a game plan similar to last week – a lot of no-huddle, few attempts on the ground, and a lot of Matthew Stafford. I think the Lions keep their season interesting for another week, and taking care of business in front of their home crowd. Lions 31, Bears 17

Ash Thompson (7-6) – The Bears have shown a lot of improvement since their first contest against the Lions. The Bears rookie quarterback is gaining confidence and their running game remains dangerous. With that said there is a reason that the Lions are in the playoff hunt and the Bears are not. I think the Lions take this one handily. Lions 24, Bears 10