This Sunday’s NFL showdown at Ford Field is a clash of contrasts. The Detroit Lions (7-2) are firmly in the NFC playoff picture, showcasing a team in peak form. Their opponents, the Chicago Bears, hold a less enviable 3-7 record but are a team on the rise and not to be underestimated. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has been vocal about the challenge the Bears present, stressing the need to remain vigilant against a team that’s building a strong foundation.

Campbell had this to say on Friday about the Bears:

They’re trying to build their program over there. They’re kind of going from the ground up. They’ve drafted well, they’ve made some big free agency acquisitions, good players, they’ve got their system in, this is year two and – but their foundation is built off playing hard, sound football, play hard, finish, and it always has to start there. It doesn’t matter what you do, what the pieces are, if you don’t play a certain way, you’ll always be inconsistent. So, they’re close and we can’t let them, man, find their footing versus us. We can’t do it. But we know this is going to be a test. This is a big test for us.

Chicago’s Reinforcements and Strategic Approach

Despite a challenging start to the season, the Chicago Bears are showing signs of a turnaround. The return of quarterback Justin Fields from a dislocated thumb and the comeback of dynamic running back Khalil Herbert from an ankle injury will revitalize the Bears’ offense. Fields’ dual-threat abilities could pose a challenge to the Lions’ defense, which, while strong overall (ranked ninth), has shown vulnerability against the pass.

The Bears’ offense is further bolstered by the return of right guard Nate Davis, fortifying an offensive line that will need to establish a ground game and provide protection for Fields. On the heels of a monster game for Chargers WR Keenan Allen, expect a strategic focus for Fields to target DJ Moore, a receiver known for his playmaking abilities. Moore’s capacity to turn short passes into big gains and his threat on deep routes will certainly be a focal point for the Bears offense.

Additionally, Bears tight end Cole Kmet has emerged as an important piece of their offense. His performance this season, especially in the last three games (21 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns), has been impressive. He will be a key target for Fields, and he is a player the Lions’ defense will need to watch closely.

Bears’ Resilient Defense

Defensively, the Bears have shown signs of improvement ever since head coach Matt Eberfluss took over defensive play calling. Their focus will be on containing Detroit’s high-powered offense. The key will be their ability to apply pressure on Jared Goff and disrupt the Lions’ passing game while also keeping tabs on Detroit’s running backs.

The Bears’ defensive line is rejuvenated by the trade deadline acquisition of DL Montez Sweat, and they will need to have the best game of their season. From the opening whistle, they must neutralize a Lions attack powered by their offensive line.

The Lions’ Balanced Offensive Attack

The Detroit Lions’ offense is a well-balanced machine, showcasing efficiency and explosiveness on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Jared Goff, shaking off the ‘game manager’ tag, has been elite. Ranking fifth in passing yards, tied for seventh in yards per attempt, and ninth in completion percentage, Goff has established himself as a top-tier quarterback in the league. He has been adept at managing the game and making pivotal plays when needed.

A critical component of the Lions’ offensive success is their dynamic duo of running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Both have shown the ability to make explosive plays, adding a multifaceted threat to the Lions’ offense. Simply noting that the reliability of wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has been important would be blasphemous. The two have emerged as potential All-Pro’s…but yes, they’ve been a security blanket for Jared Goff.

Lions’ Defensive Game Plan

The Lions’ defense is ranked 9th in the league, and a lot of that is due to their strength in stopping the run. This strength will be essential in containing the Bears’ rejuvenated running game, which includes Herbert, D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson. Additionally, the Lions’ secondary, despite being less dominant, has shown an ability to make crucial plays when needed. Their challenge will be to limit the impact through the air of Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields, whose return adds a new dimension to Chicago’s offense. The effectiveness of Detroit’s pass rush, spearheaded by Aidan Hutchison, will be critical. Hutchison, despite a modest sack count, has been a significant force in pressuring quarterbacks, as indicated by his high pass-rush win rate. His performance will be pivotal in disrupting Fields’ rhythm and limiting his opportunities to connect with key targets, like wide receiver DJ Moore.

In the secondary, the Lions will lean on players like CB Cameron Sutton and CB Jerry Jacobs to contain the Bears’ passing game. Sutton’s role will be particularly crucial in managing matchups against the Bears’ receivers, where his tackling and coverage skills will be put to the test. Jacobs, too, is an excellent tackler, and with three interceptions on the year, he has proven he can be a difference-maker in the secondary.

The Lions’ defense, while facing some inconsistencies, has shown adaptability throughout the season. The key to their success against the Bears will lie in their ability to maintain discipline in the run game while also applying consistent pressure to Fields. By doing so, they can control the tempo of the game, setting the stage for their potent offense to capitalize on opportunities.

Prediction: Lions 31, Bears 21

I expect the Detroit Lions to maintain full control throughout a 31-21 victory over the Chicago Bears. It’s going to be all about the Lions’ offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff. He’s got a great connection with his running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and they’re likely to make some big plays while eating up the clock. The Lions’ defense is ready to handle whatever the Bears throw at them. It looks like the Lions have the right mix of great offense and solid defense to win this game and add another mark to the win column.

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez – USA TODAY Sports