Week 10: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Preview

Mark Susina via Flickr

NFL

Detroit Lions Travel to Soldier Field for Division Matchup Against Chicago Bears

The NFC North-leading Chicago Bears host the Detroit Lions as the NFL playoff picture begins to form. The Bears (5-3) look to hold off the Lions (3-5) as they start a three-game division stretch. The Chicago Bears are favored by 6.5 points.

A Tale of Two Cities

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions had a tough task in traveling to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, they were without star wide receiver Golden Tate, as the team traded him prior to the game. Not only did the Lions lose an immense offensive talent, but they may be weaker at other positions than they perceived.

The Detroit Lions gave up a season-high ten sacks in the 24-9 Week 9 loss. Quarterback Matthew Stafford looked uncomfortable in the pocket, only throwing for a mere 199 yards in the defeat. The running game also struggled, as the Lions only produced 66 yards on the ground.

Chicago Bears

While the Lions struggled in Week 9, the Bears flourished. The Bears took care of business on the road against the Buffalo Bills. The Chicago Bears scored two defensive touchdowns in a 41-9 victory.

Offensively, running back Jordan Howard had a return to form. Howard scored two touchdowns in the victory. The huge game was much needed as running back Tarik Cohen was on the rise as a playmaking back prior to the poor Week 9 outing. Regardless, the backfield should showcase much more balance against Detroit.

Keys to the Game

Detroit Lions

While Week 9 gave the Lions a tough loss, it also gave them much room for improvement as they prepare for Chicago. The Lions’ offensive line is the most obvious culprit, as a ten sack performance can’t occur again. Matthew Stafford must be protected at all cost as the Lions attempt to keep up with the fifth-ranked Bears’ scoring offense.

The Lions’ offense also needs wide receiver Kenny Golladay to be more involved. Golladay managed only three catches in Week 9. The wide receiver made it known that he needs more catches. Detroit needs to get pass-catching specialist Theo Riddick involved against Chicago as he posted seven catches in Week 9.

The Detroit Lions rank a lowly 20th in scoring defense midway through the 2018 NFL season. The Bears’ 12th ranked rushing offense against the Lions’ 27th ranked rushing defense will be an interesting matchup to watch.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are coming off of a 32-point Week 9 victory. However, understanding how important the next three games are is crucial to this teams’ playoff hopes. Luckily, linebacker Khalil Mack is on pace to return for this Sunday’s matchup, a scenario that will be nightmarish for a struggling Lions’ offensive line. Pass-rusher Khalil Mack has five sacks in six games played this season.

Running back Jordan Howard has scored four rushing touchdowns in the last three games. Chicago needs Howard and Cohen to both perform against a mediocre Detroit run defense. The Bears’ offense will also benefit greatly if wide receiver Anthony Miller can continue to be involved with the offense after posting a Bears’ game-high five catches in Week 9.

Linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan had a combined 24 tackles in Week 9 against the Lions. Both linebackers will be crucial in neutralizing rookie running back Kerryon Johnson. The Chicago special teams will also play an important role if they want to dominate in all facets.

Fantasy Implications

Bears’ running back Tarik Cohen is a high-ceiling flex play against Detroit, even after a mediocre outing in Week 9. Bears’ tight end Trey Burton is a solid Week 10 play against a middle of the road Lions defense.

Lions’ running back Kerryon Johnson is a low-end flex play against a stout Chicago defense. Lions’ Wide receiver’s Kenny Golladay and Golden Tate both have strong flex value for this Week 10 matchup.

Photo Credit

Featured Image courtesy of Mark Susina

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