We get the best version of the Lions each year on Thanksgiving, and considering this year the Bears are facing the shortest possible turnaround with a backup quarterback and very little time for preparation, Detroit looks to be the play here at home. Yes, the Lions are without one of their two remaining star wideouts and their starting running back, but they should be focused on stopping the Bears' pass rush after Chicago sacked Matthew Stafford six times just 11 days ago. Chase Daniel has not thrown a pass in a live game since 2016, and he hasn't made a start since 2014. Look for the Lions to get the ball out of Stafford's hands quickly. TJ Jones and Theo Riddick could have big days against those linebackers. Will the Lions win? Not sure. But they can certainly cover a field goal against Daniel and the tired Bears.

It's a big game for both teams. Bears QB Chase Daniel will be rusty and the Bears' defense must step up to keep this game close. Go Under.

I was reluctantly looking at taking the Lions even before Mitch Trubisky became doubtful after not practicing Monday or Tuesday, and despite the Lions being a thorn in my wallet all season when I support them, the Thanksgiving angle has me liking Matt Stafford more. I also expect him to sling the ball more without RB Kerryon Johnson. Bears quarterback Chase Daniel is shaky enough to make up for the Bears' huge defensive edge. Lions get the cover.

I think Mitchell Trubisky will play but even if he doesn't, the Bears' defense is so good. The Lions just lost their running back, Kerryon Johnson. Without him they don't have a running game. The Bears will shut down Detroit and cover.

This line is dropping with the possibility of Bears starting QB Mitchell Trubisky missing this game with a shoulder injury. In all actuality, this game is about whether or not the Lions can find enough success against the Bears' excellent defense. The easy answer is no, but if the Bears' offense with a banged-up Trubisky is forced to play a one-dimensional, ineffective game, then you'd have to think a team who gets enough opportunities with the ball will eventually score, right?

Detroit has made the most lately of its Turkey Day legacy. The Lions won straight up during the four seasons ending in 2016, outscoring their Thanksgiving guests by a combined 81 points. Last season’s seven-point loss to Minnesota, 8-2 at the time, was hardly a disgrace. Chicago confronts a challenging turn-around, from a Sunday nighter to a Thursday lunchtime kickoff. That means scant time to prepare for young Bears QB Mitch Trubiksy, whose team has covered just twice in the last eight trips to Motown.