Lions vs. Bears (11/13/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Charts

The Bears were one of the stories of Week 9, but only team in this NFC North matchup is coming off a victory. The Lions held the Packers to just nine points this past weekend, snapping a long losing streak. A win this Sunday would vault Detroit out of last in the division, but it won’t come easy. Justin Fields is coming off a record-setting day as a runner and continues to look like a franchise quarterback. Who will keep their season alive?

Let’s make predictions, dive into the depth charts, and take a look at the odds ahead of Sunday’s matchup at Soldier Field.

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Prediction

I entered the year very low on the Bears, but I can’t overthink what we’ve seen from Fields and Chicago’s offense over these last few weeks. Fields has clearly taken a step forward as a passer, and OC Luke Getsy is doing a better job of utilizing his mobility. It wasn’t enough to beat the Dolphins, but it was pretty close. Against the Lions, it should be enough.

Detroit’s porous defense had a hard time with Jalen Hurts in Week 1, allowing Hurts to run for 90 yards and a TD. The Lions’ success against the Packers is more likely a product of Green Bay’s endless issues on the offensive side of the ball. With this game in Chicago, it’s going to be a tougher fight.

The Lions can win this game by keeping up with the Bears’ offense. The Lions of the first few weeks are capable of that, but the most recent version of the Lions isn’t. Aside from a great first half against the Dolphins two weeks ago, Detroit’s offense has struggled mightily since a shutout loss to the Patriots in Week 5. It’s going to take a breakthrough day from Jared Goff and the passing game to pull off a second consecutive win.

Bears -2.5 feels like the safer pick – the Lions should have a better chance when they host Chicago in Week 17.

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

The Bears are 2.5-point home favorites, entering at -150 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 48.5 points.

It’s a bit of a surprise this line isn’t more than a field goal in favor of the Bears. Chicago does have plenty of defensive questions after trading two key pieces – the fact Fields’ performance wasn’t enough against the Dolphins speaks to that – but the Bears’ offense is suddenly becoming much more dynamic than anyone thought.

Was the Lions’ great defensive showing against Green Bay a sign of what’s to come? That would help make a win in Chicago possible.

Betting Trends

• The Lions are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against NFC North opponents. Detroit played the Vikings closely early in the season.
• The Bears are 3-3-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
• The over is 4-1 in the Bears’ last 5 games.

Lions vs Bears Key Injuries

Detroit Lions Injuries: WR Josh Reynolds (back) is questionable after missing Week 9. S Kerby Joseph (concussion) is hoping to be cleared in time for Sunday. RB D’Andre Swift (ankle, shoulder) is expected to take on a larger workload after he was limited in Week 9. Rookie LB Malcoom Rodriguez (elbow) is questionable.

Chicago Bears Injuries: OT Larry Borom is questionable after missing the last two games with a concussion. CB Kindle Vildor (ankle) is questionable.

Lions vs Bears Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Lions vs. Bears below.

Lions Running Backs vs. Bears Run Defense

The Bears’ run defense has ranked well below average this season and took a hit with the loss of Roquan Smith. Chicago was shredded by Tony Pollard in Week 8 and let Jeff Wilson Jr. have a pretty efficient day in his Dolphins debut last weekend, so the unit is a concern against the Lions’ two-headed rushing attack.

D’Andre Swift is expected to take on a bigger role this week as he gets healthier, and the Lions’ offense is at its best when both he and Jamaal Williams can work in tandem. If the Bears don’t keep them in check, it could be a long day.

Justin Fields vs. Lions Secondary

We know Justin Fields is going to rack up yards on the ground. He’s proven that’s the best way to move the Bears’ offense. If the Lions can keep him only a rushing threat, they should be alright, but should there be confidence Detroit can do that?

The Lions’ secondary has been torched too many times this season, including by the Dolphins two weeks ago. Whether Fields can continue to show progress as a passer and beat teams with his arm is one of the biggest storylines of the week, let alone this game.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: Jared Goff
RB1: D’Andre Swift
RB2: Jamaal Williams
RB3: Craig Reynolds
LWR: Kalif Raymond
RWR: Josh Reynolds
SWR: Amon-Ra St. Brown
TE1: Brock Wright

Chicago Bears Depth Chart

QB: Justin Fields
RB1: David Montgomery
RB2: Khalil Herbert
RB3: Trestan Ebner
LWR: Chase Claypool
RWR: Darnell Mooney
SWR: Dante Pettis
TE1: Cole Kmet