Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears - December 22, 2024

As we gear up for the showdown between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears this Sunday at Soldier Field, divisional bragging rights are on the line, and I’m excited to break down what we can expect from this intriguing matchup. The Lions enter as -1.5-point favorites against a struggling Bears team, with an over/under set at 46.5.

Let’s start by looking at the numbers that tell a story of their own. The Lions boast an impressive record of 12-2 straight-up (SU) and have been relatively strong against the spread (ATS) with a record of 9-5. Although they have struggled recently in covering spreads—going just 2-4 ATS in their last six—they have still managed to win 11 of their last 12 games SU.

On the other hand, we have the Bears, who come into this game with a dismal record of 4-10 SU and are currently on an eight-game losing streak. They haven’t been able to find consistency, going just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games. The stats reflect their struggles: averaging only about 19.5 points per game while allowing nearly twice that amount against some tougher opponents.

When diving deeper into average performance metrics per game, we see where these teams truly differ. The Lions are scoring around 32.8 points per game—a staggering figure that highlights their offensive potency—while also completing nearly three-fourths of their passes (73.7%). Their rushing attack averages close to143 yards per game with an impressive yards-per-attempt mark near 8.9—indicating both efficiency and effectiveness.

In contrast, the Bears average just under 20 points scored per game while managing only about 211 passing yards at a completion rate below two-thirds (62%). While they do maintain decent rushing statistics—averaging approximately105 yards per contest—their overall offensive output has proven insufficient to keep pace with teams like Detroit.

This leads me to predict that not only will the Lions win this matchup but they’ll also cover the spread comfortably against a Chicago team that’s reeling from defeat after defeat. Given recent performances by both squads—the fact that Chicago is struggling mightily while Detroit is riding high on momentum—I would expect something along the lines of a decisive victory for Detroit.

Now turning our attention to totals, I foresee this being one instance where “under” could be in play despite both offenses possessing explosive potential; especially given how effectively Chicago has been kept under wraps lately—as noted by them hitting “under” six out of their last eight games played.

To summarize my predictions: Expect Detroit not only to claim victory but also successfully cover that -1.5 spread as they build upon their impressive season thus far; meanwhile look for total points scored potentially falling short of expectations based on current trends reflecting inconsistencies from Chicago’s side combined with improved defensive efforts from Detroit!