Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: Spread Analysis and Pick Prediction
Published by Mike Pickett on November 5, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Detroit Lions have covered the spread in five of the last seven meetings with their longtime rivals, the Chicago Bears.
Detroit and Chicago, two of three teams tied for first place in the NFC North, hook up Sunday at Soldier Field in a matchup where both teams are struggling in divisional contests.
Point spread: Lions opened as 2.5-point favorites; the total was 49.5. (Line updates and Matchup report)
OddsShark.com computer says: 28.1-26.7 Lions
Why the Lions can cover the spread
Detroit ranks third in the league in total offense, at 416 yards per game, and eighth in time-of-possession, holding the ball for over 32 minutes per game. The Stafford-to-Johnson passing combo is as deadly as it’s ever been, and RB Reggie Bush has averaged 90 yards on the ground over his last five games.
They are 5-1-1 ATS in their past seven meetings with the Bears, according to the NFL database.
Why the Bears can cover the spread
Chicago might get QB Jay Cutler back this week, but then again, backup Josh McCown looked very good Monday night against Green Bay, finding open receivers on short crossing patterns and making two nice tosses for scores, all while throwing zero interceptions. Also, the Bears have won three of the last four games in this series.
Smart Pick
The OddsShark computer is predicting the Lions to win this game outright and for the OVER to cash in. Detroit has had its problems with Chicago recently, but it put up 40 points on the Bears in a Week 4 victory at Ford Field.
Plus, the Lions had last week off, while Chicago is on the short week after playing Monday night. Take the Lions.
Trends:
Lions are 5-1-1 ATS past seven meeting with Bears
Lions have lost eight of past 10 divisional games
Bears are 1-6-1 ATS past eight games vs NFC North foes
Chicago is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark – follow them on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.
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