Bears, Lions Both Starving For Thanksgiving Win

It’s been nearly a calendar year since the Lions (0-9-1 SU, 6-4 ATS) last tasted victory, but that famine could end when they host the struggling Bears (3-7, 4-6). Chicago has dropped five straight games to fall out of playoff contention, including Sunday’s devastating last-minute loss to Baltimore.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Bears were slim 3-point favorites when these teams met last month at Soldier Field but opened as 4.5-point chalk for the rematch in Detroit. Oddsmakers have since moved the line toward the Lions, who were 3.5-point underdogs at the time of writing. There was also a big early move toward the UNDER, dropping the total to 42.

Chicago News & Notes

Justin Fields’ availability against Detroit was uncertain at the time of writing after the rookie quarterback left Sunday’s 16-13 loss to Baltimore with a rib injury. X-rays were negative, but Chicago will likely decide to play it safe and sit Fields out on a short week. Andy Dalton relieved Fields against the Ravens and threw a pair of long touchdown passes, including a 49-yarder to give Chicago a lead with 1:44 left on the clock.

The Bears couldn’t hold the lead, however, allowing backup quarterback Tyler Huntley and the Ravens to drive 79 yards on five plays and score the winning touchdown with 22 seconds left.

“It’s a punch to the gut,” defensive end Robert Quinn told the Associated Press.

It was the second straight punch to the gut for a Chicago team that also held a late lead in its previous game against Pittsburgh before losing in the dying seconds. Already without star linebacker Khalil Mack for the rest of the year and with several other key defensive starters nursing injuries, the Bears might have a tough time bouncing back emotionally in this quick turnaround spot.

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Detroit News & Notes

The Lions once again came agonizingly close to their first victory of the season last week in Cleveland, falling 13-10 to the Browns. It was the fourth time this season that Detroit has failed to win a game that was decided by three points or less, including a tie at Pittsburgh the previous week. Dating back to last year, the Lions are 0-13-1 SU, the longest winless streak in the NFL.

In order to finally get over the hump, the Lions need more production from their passing game. Tim Boyle threw for just 77 yards in his first career start against the Browns, and he may have to suit up again if No. 1 pivot Jared Goff isn’t able to return from an oblique injury that sidelined him against Cleveland. Goff wasn’t exactly lighting up the skies before being injured, throwing for 144 yards in his previous outing against the Steelers.

At least the Lions’ passing issues have been a boon for anyone who owns D’Andre Swift in fantasy. Swift ran for 136 yards against Cleveland, including a 57-yard touchdown run, and has gained 266 yards on the ground in his last two outings.

How Chicago Will Cover

Chicago has won six of the last seven meetings, with all of those victories coming by more than a field goal. If the Bears are able to shake off their tough recent losses and bring a focused effort into Detroit, their defense should be able to smother the Lions’ toothless attack.

How Detroit Will Cover

Even though the Lions have yet to crack the win column, they’re still consistently playing hard for Dan Campbell. In what looks like the most winnable game remaining on their schedule, they should bring plenty of energy while Chicago could be flat following Sunday’s gutting loss.

Computer Pick: Detroit +3.5

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