Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Frustrated Bears Face Tough Rematch Against Resilient Lions

The Detroit Lions will visit Chicago on Sunday, where they look to rebound from a heartbreaking loss while contending with a string of injuries that have threatened to derail their NFC dominance. The Lions (12-2) remain atop the NFC but are facing a critical stretch to secure home-field advantage, and their challenge will intensify against a Chicago Bears team still reeling from a disastrous season.

Lions’ Injuries Add to the Pressure

Despite their commanding position in the NFC, the Lions are not without their problems. Running back David Montgomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill both sustained significant knee injuries in last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. Montgomery’s sprained MCL and McNeill’s torn ACL have put their seasons in jeopardy, and the team will also be without cornerback Carlton Davis III, who fractured his jaw and is out indefinitely.

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Montgomery, while not yet placed on injured reserve, is seeking a third opinion on his injury, which keeps him in a state of uncertainty for Week 16. But Coach Dan Campbell refuses to let these setbacks define the Lions’ season.

“Nobody’s gonna give us a pass or give us an asterisk next to (our) record,” Campbell said. “So, what it means is that some guys are gonna have an unbelievable opportunity.”

The Lions’ historic 11-game winning streak was snapped with a 48-42 defeat to Buffalo, but they remain focused on securing a first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs. To maintain their position atop the NFC, Detroit will need to finish the season strong with victories against Chicago, San Francisco, and Minnesota.

“There’s a lot of football left, and I think we’re looking forward to this, to be honest with you,” Campbell said, emphasizing that the Lions are not letting the recent loss derail their momentum.

Bears’ Struggles Continue Amid Rebuild

On the other hand, the Chicago Bears (4-10) are searching for any signs of hope after a season that has seen them mired in an eight-game losing streak. The Bears’ latest stretch has been particularly painful, including a 23-20 loss to Detroit on Thanksgiving that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus. Under interim coach Thomas Brown, Chicago has dropped two more road games by wide margins—38-13 to San Francisco and 30-12 to Minnesota.

The Bears have been outscored 53-0 in the first half of their last three games, a stat that paints a grim picture of their struggles. Despite the mounting challenges, Brown has urged his team to continue battling. “Our guys continue to battle,” he said. “I’m gonna continue to fight for them and stay behind them.”

But for cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the frustration is palpable. “Of course players got the responsibility to make the plays, and I know nobody’s purposely not trying to make plays,” Johnson said. “Everybody’s goal is to be the best and try to make your play. It’s just not going our way.”

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, remains focused on his development despite the team’s struggles. The Bears have been poor on third downs, converting just 1 of 12 attempts against Minnesota. Their offensive line has been a constant issue, as Chicago has allowed 58 sacks, tied for the most in the NFL. This leaves Williams vulnerable, and although the Lions are dealing with their own defensive injuries, protecting the young QB will remain a top priority for the Bears.

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With left tackle Braxton Jones (concussion), left guard Teven Jenkins (calf), and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) all sitting out Wednesday’s practice, the Bears’ offensive line issues are only compounded.

“You motivate yourself, you encourage yourself. You have positive affirmations that you say to yourself,” Williams said about keeping his spirits up during this tough season. “With that, it makes the days better, it makes when you’re going through a tough patch, it makes those days a little bit easier rather than pulling yourself down.”

Detroit’s Offensive Firepower

Despite their injuries, Detroit remains a high-scoring machine, averaging 32.8 points per game, the best in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing at a high level, as demonstrated by his five-touchdown performance against Buffalo. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to impress, catching 14 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs added to the scoring with both rushing and receiving touchdowns.

However, the Lions are not without their own injury concerns. Safety Brian Branch (calf) and left guard Graham Glasgow (knee) both missed practice on Wednesday, which could affect the team’s depth and consistency.

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What to Watch

1. Bears’ Offensive Line
   Can Chicago find a way to protect Caleb Williams and prevent another disastrous outing? With a banged-up offensive line, the challenge will be steep.
2. Lions’ Injuries
   How will Detroit cope without key players like David Montgomery and Alim McNeill? The Lions will need their depth players to step up in a big way.
3. Goff and St. Brown
   Jared Goff’s passing and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s receiving have been key to Detroit’s success. Can they continue to carry the load, even with injuries around them?

Outlook

While the Detroit Lions face a challenging stretch with key injuries, they are still in control of their destiny, sitting atop the NFC and seeking home-field advantage in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are desperate for a win but have not shown much promise amid a season of turmoil. Despite their frustrations, the Bears’ effort will be tested against one of the most high-powered offenses in the league.

Detroit’s talent and depth should give them the edge, but the Bears will be looking to play spoiler and show some fight in front of their home crowd.