NFL Week 4 Predictions: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears 10/2/16

Lions vs. Bears Prediction

Can the Chicago Bears end a long losing streak to the Detroit Lions when they meet up at 1PM ET today in Chicago?

According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Lions are the slight favorite on the road, as they are getting odds of -2.5 points against the Bears. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 48 points. The Lions have won six straight meetings with the Bears and Detroit is 6-2 against the spread over the last four years against Chicago.

Bet on Lions vs. Bears

Detroit fell to 1-2 on the season last week with a 34-27 loss at Green Bay. The Lions are also 1-2 against the spread, failing to cover in either of their two losses. The Lions are giving up 28.3 points and 390.7 yards per game this season, including 276 passing yards per contest. The injuries are piling up on that side of the ball as Ezekiel Ansah and DeAndre Levy are both hurt and unable to play this week. Offensively, the Lions have been moving the ball well through the air, averaging 328.3 yards per game. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 985 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the offense while Marvin Jones Jr. has 29 receptions for 408 yards. The team is without Ameer Abdullah in the backfield and they are averaging only 114.7 rushing yards per game.

The Bears fell to 0-3 on the season last week with a 31-17 loss at Dallas. The Bears are 0-3 against the spread as well this season, as they have really been poor on defense, allowing 27.7 points per game. Similar to Detroit, Chicago has been dealing with a lot of injuries on defense and has been without CB Kyle Fuller and LB Pernell McPhee. On offense, the team is now without starting back Jeremy Langford because of an Achilles’ injury while Jay Cutler is doubtful with a sprained thumb. The Chicago offense is averaging just 15 points and 327.7 yards per game, but the unit looked a little better with Brian Hoyer and Jordan Howard running things last week. Hoyer has thrown for 395 yards and two touchdowns in place of Cutler.

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This game could feature plenty of big plays, the question is, who will make more of them? Given that the Bears are down to their backups at key positions like quarterback and running back, I give the nod to Detroit. The Lions have a very talented offense, especially with Stafford playing some of the best football in his career right now. The Lions have already won on the road and know a win can do big things for them with their next three games in Detroit.

 

NFL WEEK 4 PREDICTION: DETROIT LIONS -2.5