Last Updated on January 3, 2010 7:10 am by Anthony Rome
Bears vs. Lions Pick
NFC North rivals clash in the final week of the season as the Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears at 1:00PM ET on Sunday.
The Bears beat the Vikings 36-30 in overtime on Monday night as an 8.5-point underdog, while the combined score went over the posted total of 41 points. Jay Cutler completed 20-of-35 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns in the win, while Devin Aromashodu had 150 yards receiving with a touchdown in the win.
The Lions lost to the 49ers 20-6 as a 14-point underdog in Week 16, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 41 points. Drew Stanton threw for 130 yards and three interceptions for Detroit, while Calvin Johnson had seven receptions for 96 yards.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made the Bears 3-point favorites over the Lions in Week 17. The over/under total for Sunday’s game has been set at 45 points.
Our free pick prediction for this game is the Lions +3. With how well the Bears played on Monday night, this is a trap game. The public will be all over Chicago in this game because of the low total, but there’s always value in taking the home team getting points and we favor Detroit in this matchup.
The Bears got up for a home game against a division rival with something on the line, but they won’t get up for a meaningless game against a bad opponent. Chicago is also 0-6 against the spread in its last five games on the road, while the Lions are 4-2 ATS in their last six games when playing the Bears.
Our free pick prediction for the total is the under. Forty-five is too many points for two bad teams with inconsistent offenses. Plus, keep in mind that the under has hit in six of Detroit’s last eight games when playing at home against Chicago.
Our NFL Week 17 Free Pick for this matchup is: DETROIT LIONS +3 and UNDER 45.
309 Chicago Bears –3 Over 45
310 Detroit Lions +3 Under 45
Chicago is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Detroit is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
CHICAGO
[RB] 09/06/2009 – Kevin Jones IR ( Ankle )
[LB] 09/14/2009 – Brian Urlacher IR ( Wrist )
[DE] 09/06/2009 – Henry Melton IR ( Ankle )
[LB] 10/21/2009 – Pisa Tinoisamoa IR ( Knee )
[WR] 12/28/2009 – Devin Hester "?" Sunday vs. Detroit ( Calf )
[RB] 12/08/2009 – Garrett Wolfe out for season ( Kidney )
[DL] 12/27/2009 – Adewale Ogunleye IR ( Fibula )
[S] 12/28/2009 – Al Afalava "?" Sunday vs. Detroit ( Knee )
[S] 12/28/2009 – Kevin Payne "?" Sunday vs. Detroit ( Ankle )
[WR] 12/29/2009 – Johnny Knox injured last game, doubtful Sunday vs. Detroit ( Ankle )
[CB] 12/29/2009 – Charles Tillman injured last game, doubtful Sunday vs. Detroit ( Ribs )
[FS] 12/29/2009 – Danieal Manning injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Detroit ( Calf )
[DL] 12/29/2009 – Israel Idonije injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Detroit ( Foot )
DETROIT
[OL] 08/07/2009 – Damion Cook IR ( Tricep )
[DE] 08/24/2009 – Jared DeVries IR ( Achilles )
[LB] 08/18/2009 – Cody Spencer IR ( Knee )
[SS] 08/20/2009 – Daniel Bullocks IR ( Knee )
[S] 10/13/2009 – Eric King IR ( Shoulder )
[WR] 10/05/2009 – Adam Jennings IR ( Ankle )
[DE] 10/22/2009 – Copeland Bryan IR ( Leg )
[CB] 11/02/2009 – Demarcus Faggins IR ( Upper Body )
[OL] 11/17/2009 – Stephen Peterman out for season ( Ankle )
[S] 11/18/2009 – Marquand Manuel IR ( Shoulder )
[CB] 11/16/2009 – Jack Williams IR ( Knee )
[SS] 11/25/2009 – Ko Simpson IR ( Knee )
[TE] 12/01/2009 – Brandon Pettigrew IR ( Knee )
[QB] 12/24/2009 – Matthew Stafford IR ( Shoulder )
[TE] 12/16/2009 – Casey Fitzsimmons IR ( Concussion )
[RB] 12/14/2009 – Kevin Smith IR ( Knee )
[CB] 12/27/2009 – Phillip Buchanon "?" Sunday vs. Chicago ( Shoulder )
[LB] 12/27/2009 – Larry Foote "?" Sunday vs. Chicago ( Foot )
[DT] 12/27/2009 – Joe Cohen "?" Sunday vs. Chicago ( Knee )
Posted: 1/3/10 7:10AM ET