Before the season began some people, such as myself, may have seen Detroit's home game against the Chicago Bears to end the season as a game with major playoff implications. Well, it does, but only for one team, and that team isn't the Lions. At 9-6, the Bears need to win, and need some help, to make the postseason. The Lions? They are just trying to earn a fifth win for cosmetic purposes. It'd be nice for them to end the season with a victory, and going up against a divisional rival like Chicago probably doesn't hurt matters.
The Bears are a team that is built around their defense, although Brian Urlacher's injury, and natural regression, has dropped their performance a bit down the stretch. It is going to be tough for the Lions to get anything going, particularly with their injuries they have had. Chicago has a pair of excellent cornerbacks in Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. Meanwhile, the Lions only have one wide receiver worth worrying about. That would, of course, be Calvin Johnson, the only reason a lot of people will be paying attention to this game. He could possibly cross the 2,000 yards receiving mark in this game. At the very least, he is going to improve upon his record for receiving yards in a season. So, that's something. However, I don't think the Lions will get anything going on the ground, and Matthew Stafford will likely struggle, and a turnover or two would not be a surprise, especially since the Bears' defense is especially good at that.
Meanwhile, Chicago's offense does leave a bit to be desired. Jay Cutler is a good quarterback, but he's often under a ton of pressure due to Chicago's porous offensive line. That's Detroit's best chance in this game. They have to get after Cutler. Against an even worse Arizona offensive line, the Lions couldn't do anything. That can't happen again. The Bears may be without Matt Forte, which would make things much harder for them. However, I don't see anybody on the Lions being able to stay with Brandon Marshall, who has been the second best receiver in the league this season.
I expect the Lions to play the Bears tough at home to end the year. However, with all their injuries, they are clearly the inferior team, and Chicago has a lot on the line. They should come out guns blazing. It'd be nice if Detroit could end the season on a high note, but I just don't see it happening. Here comes a top five draft pick. Final Prediction: Chicago 24, Detroit 20
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