Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: Week 6 Prediction

Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. The Lions won 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

What a difference a year makes. The Chicago Bears were down and out in 2014 while the Detroit Lions were streaking towards a playoff berth. Now the Bears hope to reach the bye week on a three-game winning streak while the Lions seek an end to their terrible start.

Injuries

DeAndre Levy and Haloti Ngata both out

Losing Ndamukong Suh was a hard blow for the Lions defense, but things have only gotten worse as their other best player DeAndre Levy could be lost for the season. To add insult to injury, Haloti Ngata, Suh’s replacement is expected to miss the game as well. That leaves gaping holes in an already struggling defense.

Alshon Jeffery hamstring feeling much better

Jay Cutler has been operating largely with scrubs and reserves at wide receiver since week 2. That’s because calf and hamstring injuries have continued to hamper star receiver Alshon Jeffery. Well the quarterback got a piece of good news as Jeffery is feeling much better and though questionable has a chance to play for the first time since opening day.

Key Matchups

Charles Leno Jr. vs. Ziggy Ansah

As the other key pieces fall, at least one constant remains in place for the Lions defensive line. Ziggy Ansah has become the best player in that unit and on that defense. He must prove that against reserve left tackle Charles Leno Jr., who is likely to fill in one more game for the injured Jermon Bushrod.

Tracy Porter vs. Calvin Johnson

Easily one of the more underrated arrivals to boost the Bears defense has been cornerback Tracy Porter, who quickly established himself as their best cover man. He’ll likely draw the responsibility of blanketing veteran Lions star Calvin Johnson who remains dangerous even in the midst of his teams’ struggles.

Fantasy

Sit: Matthew Stafford

Aside from the benching last week that should cause concerns, the fact is Matthew Stafford has played nothing like his Pro Bowl self the past five weeks. Now he goes against a rapidly improving defense that ranks 4th in the NFL against the pass and is discovering their pass rush behind Pernell McPhee.

Start: Matt Forte

Detroit is far from the defense it was in 2014. The losses up front from Ndamukong Suh to Nick Fairley and now an injury to Levy have taken away their three best players in that category, and it’s why the team is giving up 126 yards per game. That bodes well for Matt Forte, who leads the league in rushing.

Prediction: Bears win 24-17

It’s all about momentum at this point and the Bears have a ton. They are coming off two-straight comebacks and playing with a renewed belief in themselves. That combined with the bottom Detroit seemed to hit last week and even on the road it looks like the Bears are poised to hit the bye at an improbable 3-3.

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