Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions – Week 13 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (4-7) put together a dramatic rally against the Vikings on Sunday, scoring 11 points in the final 30 seconds to force overtime. Despite that comeback and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams‘ best performance in an NFL uniform, Minnesota prevailed in extra time with a field goal to hand Chicago a fifth-consecutive defeat.
Things most definitely do not get easier this week as the Bears have a quick turnaround before a Thanksgiving matchup against the mighty Lions (10-1) at Ford Field. Detroit has been absolutely steamrolling opponents so far in 2024 with nine-consecutive wins and have outscored opponents by 177 points.
Jared Goff is at the controls of the highest scoring offense in football, which averages 32.7 points a game. The two-headed monster at running back of speedy Jahmyr Gibbs and bruising former Bear David Montgomery has combined for 1516 yards and 21 touchdowns and makes the Lions deadly in the red zone.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been less impactful than in his dominant 2023 receiving season and deep threat Jameson Williams has missed time with injuries and a suspension. That being said, Detroit is still a threat through the air, including passes to Gibbs and Montgomery out of the backfield.
Dan Campbell‘s defense doesn’t get the attention the offense gets but they also do excellent work. The Aaron Glenn coordinated unit surrenders just 16.6 points per game, second fewest in football. The loss of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg undoubtedly has had a negative effect, although, they have been able to weather it in decent shape.
The Lions are good in every aspect of the game. They have a +9 turnover margin, kicker Jake Bates is 16-16, and they are one of the best kick returning teams in football. Even Detroit fans accustomed to decades of losing are starting to think about a first-ever Super Bowl appearance.
This is going to be a very difficult game for the Bears to win. The Lions played perhaps their worst game of 2023 against the Packers last Thanksgiving and will be motivated to avoid another poor performance in their traditional signature holiday game. If Chicago isn’t well prepared for this one turkey might not be the only thing getting roasted Thursday morning.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Thursday, November 28 at 11:30am CT on CBS, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Thursday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Avoid turnovers at all cost. Chicago is going to have to play almost a perfect game to hang with the dominant Lions. Any kind of a mistake will probably lead to points and things could get out of hand quickly.
- Try to do something about special teams. The Bears special teams have been a complete disaster the last two weeks. Two blocked field goals and a muffed punt have cost victories in consecutive games.
- With nothing to lose be willing to take chances. No one expects Chicago to stay in this game so it’s a perfect excuse for Matt Eberflus to shed his cautious approach and take big swings. Go for fourth downs, fake a punt, or run some trick plays. If there was ever a time to throw the kitchen sink this would be it.
- Let Caleb rip. This is basically a continuation of the taking big swings approach. The Bears rookie quarterback should be encouraged to take chances and throw deep. All you have to do is look at how impressive he was late against the Vikings when he had no choice but to cut it loose.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
Detroit is a huge favorite at home against the reeling Bears who are giving the Lions a full 10 points. This is the highest point-spread against Chicago in 2024 and Vegas expects a high-scoring affair with an over/under of 48.5.
It’s Football Weather
Ford Field is of course a dome so weather won’t be a factor in this one.
My Prediction
It’s not going to be a very happy Thanksgiving for the Bears this year, at least not on the football field. It seems unlikely Chicago’s coaching staff will have them well prepared for this game and the Lions want to avoid another flat effort like turkey day 2023. Williams plays decently but Detroit jumps on a couple of mistakes and they end up winning comfortably 38-24.
Official Bears Preview
Head coach Matt Eberflus joins Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer on Bears, etc. to analyze Week 12 and look ahead to what’s next for the team.
