Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
Read More
Expert Picks
In a divisional game, with the Bears fighting hard for John Fox down the stretch, this is too many points. This line is an overreaction to Detroit's impressive win last week in New Orleans. The Lions typically play close games and I'll look for another here.
The Lions looked pretty terrible against the Bears earlier this season, with only an 85-yard punt return in the final two minutes making the 17-13 final score look competitive. Their defense has had a nice stretch of late, but aside from holding the Saints at bay last week, they've faced less than stellar competition (Vikings twice, Texans, Jaguars) recently. The Bears are vulnerable on the ground but have given up just one 300-yard passer all year. Since the Lions don't have much of a rushing attack, I think this game stays close.
These two teams have contributed to a lot of Under totals this year. The Lions' last six totals have all gone Under as they've played a lot of mediocre offenses but haven't really run up the score on anyone, aside from the Saints last week. The Bears will look to chew up clock with Matt Barkley under center while trying to replicate the success the defense had in Week 4, when the Lions were unable to record an offensive touchdown as the Bears won 17-13. They'll combine for a little more here, but not enough to reach this total.