The Chicago Bears (9-6) and Detroit Lions (4-11) will meet for the 166th time ever on Sunday.
The Bears lead the all-time series 95-65-6.
The Bears got by the Lions back in Week Seven, 13-7 on Monday Night Football.
Coming off a big 28-13 victory over the Cardinals, the Bears must win to keep their postseason hopes alive. They have to win in Detroit and have the Packers take down the Vikings in Minnesota following their game.
The Lions fell to the Falcons last Saturday night 31-18 as they dropped their seventh straight game.
This NFC North matchup will decide the fate of the Chicago Bears season. Its hard to believe that the Bears have to fight to make the playoffs after starting the season off so hot.
But they have struggled as of late. Luckily if they can win this week they have that chance at showcasing themselves in the 2012 postseason.
They will likely square off against the San Francisco 49ers if everything goes to plan on Sunday. The 49ers own the No. 3 seed in the NFC, while the Packers hold the No. 2 seed.
Bears’ Safety Chris Conte (hamstring) and LB Blake Costanzo (calf) have both been ruled out after sitting out of practice this week.
LB Brian Urlacher (hamstring) put in a limited practice on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday. But his status for Sunday is doubtful.
DT Henry Melton (chest) practiced in full on Friday, while RB Armando Allen (knee) wasn’t able to practice all week. Both players are considered questionable to play. Expect Melton to suit up. Allen isn’t expected to play. The Bears signed RB Harvey Unga off the practice squad, he is expected to be the No. 3 back.
RB Matt Forte (ankle), CB Charles Tillman (ribs/elbow), CB Tim Jennings (shoulder), T Jonathan Scott (hamstring) are all probable after practicing in full on Friday.
Lions’ DT Sammie Hill (toe) has been ruled out after not practicing all week.
TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is doubtful after being limited in practice all week. S Louis Delmas (knee) and CB Chris Houston (hamstring) are both questionable after being limited in practice all week.
The Bears will win if?
The Bears will win if they can take control of the game from the start. RB Matt Forte comes into this game banged up once again, but he has run the ball effectively the last couple of weeks. They will need Matt Forte and Kahlil Bell to carry the load plenty. Jay Cutler has what it takes to win this game, but receivers besides Brandon Marshall have to step up. It won’t be easy on the road against a very good offensive oriented Lions team, but the Bears should have enough to play for this week.
The Bears will lose if?
The Bears will lose if they come out flat. They have had plenty of time off to think about this big game in Detroit, but they can’t afford to come out to pumped up. The Lions have a big weapon in Calvin Johnson and a steady back in Mikel Leshoure. The Lions have plenty of offensive firepower to be able to put points and win the game. Losing the turnover battle will hurt the Bears’ chances as it has over the past couple of weeks.
Players who must step up:
1) WR Alshon Jeffery- The rookie reeled in just one of four targets a week ago in Arizona. He needs to make each target count especially in a big game like this. Look for Jeffery to come out from the start determined to showcase his skills. This could be the best game we see from Jeffery all season long.
Prediction: Five receptions, 66 yards, one touchdown.
2) CB Tim Jennings- Jennings (first time) and Charles Tillman (second time) were named as the starting cornerbacks for the NFC in the Pro Bowl. He had four tackles in his return from a shoulder injury. He is still in some pain from that shoulder injury, but he is ready to go in this one. Expect Jennings to be ready to make plays all afternoon long. The Bears’ defense will be pumped up in this one.
Prediction: Seven tackles.
3) DE Corey Wootton- The third-year end had two tackles last week. He had 2.5 the previous two weeks bringing his season total to seven. He could be in for a treat on Sunday against a Lions’ offense that allows plenty of sacks. Wootton will be able to have some success this week.
Prediction: Four tackles, one sack.
Score Prediction:
Jake Perper: Chicago Bears 27, Detroit Lions 18.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
