Week 10 Preview Detroit Lions versus the Chicago Bears: Should you Start Matthew Stafford Vs Bears Defense

Detroit Lions (6-2) vs. Chicago Bears (5-3)

Revenge game!!! The Lions took care of business back in week 5 defeating the Bears at home on Monday Night.  Can they get up the same way?  That is asking a lot since that game was at home and the Bears were not playing at this level back then.  This game has a lot more riding on it than the last one.  Any football fan would love to see this kind of game against hated rivals.

What’s at stake?

Wild Card positioning will certainly come into play in this game.  I know there are 7 more games after this one, but let me explain.  If the Bears win they are tied with the Lions at 6-3.  Getting to 10 wins should be easy and 11 certainly possible.  If they lose and go to 5-4 and lose both games versus the Lions…they would almost have to win out to pass them and would need at least get to 11 wins to get the last spot from the Saints/Falcons.  If the Lions lose this game they are still 6-3 but have lost to the Falcons and might lose the tie breaker to the Bears and Saints.  If the Lions win they are 7-2 and in full control of their destiny.

Matchups to watch for.

1. Jeff Backus vs. Julius Peppers: Jeff Backus is a solid LT who has endured far too much criticism from Detroit fans.  He did very well back in week 5 versus this superior opponent.  Peppers has 6 sacks for the year and is on pace for 12.  Backus has allowed that same amount of sacks.  I have to go with Peppers again.  I know I was wrong back in week 5 but to shut down Peppers twice in a season is not likely.  Advantage:      Julius Peppers
2. Matt Forte vs. the Lions’ Run Defense: Matt Forte had a good game back in week 5 but did not really torch the Lions run defense.  I think the same will happen in this game.  Since OLB Justin Durant has come back from injury the Lions run defense has improved.  I still expect a good game from Forte but not a great one.  Advantage:             Lions Run Defense  
3. Calvin Johnson vs. Charles Tillman: Calvin Johnson won this matchup earlier in the season.  I think Tillman has no hope to contain CJ by himself.  I know Tillman will have safety help but the Bears safeties are struggling.  That being said Burleson and Young must step up and take advantage of their one on one matchups.  I sense the Lions passing game will have a very good day.  Advantage: Calvin Johnson
4. Lions coverage Units vs. Devin Hester: One of the main reasons the Lions won the first matchup is they contained Devin Hester as well as anyone else has.  The Lions coverage units have been extremely inconsistent this season.  The fault lying on the coverage units themselves, since both K Jason Hanson and P Ryan Donahue have been lights out.  I feel whoever wins this matchup will win the game once again.  It’s very hard to contain Hester twice.  advantage:       Devin Hester  

Lions Defensive Line vs. Bears Offensive Line: The past three games the Bears Offensive Line has only allowed 3 sacks and opened holes for Matt Forte.  They will get the chance to prove they are for real against one of the best Defensive Lines in football.  While I do not believe the Lions defensive line will destroy the Bears I think they will win more than they lose.  Cliff Avril will be the advantage in this game due to his speed and the lack of pass blocking their current RT demonstrates.    Advantage:       Lions Defensive Line

Outcome  

I think the line in this game is correct.  Bears being favored by a field goal sounds about right.  While I think this game will be one of the better games this season I sense a bad outcome.  I predict Bears 24-21 over the Lions.