Coming off their biggest victory of the season, the Bears head to Detroit on short rest facing the possibility that quarterback Mitch Trubisky may not be able to play because of an injured right shoulder. The Bears handled the Lions 34-22 on Nov. 11, but this game is at Ford Field, and the Lions have won four of their last five on Thanksgiving. Can the Bears extend their winning streak to five games? Our team says yes, with one dissenter.
Bears at Lions
▪ Kickoff: 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Ford Field.
▪ TV and radio: CBS-2, WBBM-AM 780, WBBM-FM 105.9.
▪ The line: Bears by 3 1/2
▪ Tribune’s picks last week: 4-2 (Season, 49-11)
Brad Biggs
27
20
Thursday games on a short week can be a little sloppy. The Lions have looked really good at times and discombobulated at others. They are 3-2 at home and 1-4 on the road, so they’re better at Ford Field. The Bears have more talent and should prevail. Record this season: 9-1
Rich Campbell
22
20
Assuming Chase Daniel plays, he knows who he is and who he’s not. He’s a ball distributor, as he demonstrated against the Chiefs’ starters in the preseason. Quick, short throws and good defense will make this a Happy Thanksgiving for Chicago. Record this season: 7-3
Dan Wiederer
20
23
The Bears are on the road, on a very short week and possibly without Mitch Trubisky. After spending significant energy in Sunday night’s win, the defense doesn’t have enough left in the tank to carry the load again. Record this season: 8-2
Colleen Kane
23
20
The Bears defense helped overcome three turnovers by the offense last week, so I’m not inclined to underestimate its impact again. With Mitch Trubisky’s status in question, it’s just another chance to show how one of the best defensive units in the NFL can win games for the team. Record this season: 7-3
Phil Thompson
23
20
Short turnaround on the road with an ailing Mitch Trubisky? This has all the makings of a trap game. But you need weapons to spring a trap. The Lions, who could miss Marvin Jones and Kerryon Johnson, may have to rely heavily on Zach Zenner. Record this season: 9-1
David Haugh
31
24
No matter who plays quarterback for the Bears, the defense will arrive Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field healthy and hungry. And nothing about the Bears’ recipe for winning has changed: Terrorize the quarterback and take away the football. The NFC North leaders keep rolling. Record this season: 9-1
Sources: Chicago Tribune reporting, Pregame.com
Created by the Chicago Tribune dataviz team. On Twitter @ChiTribGraphics
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