Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: Week 2 NFL Showdown Predictions
The Detroit Lions are set to face the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in a highly anticipated NFL Week 2 matchup. The game marks the return of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now with the Bears, adding extra intrigue to this NFC North clash.
The Stakes: Avoiding an 0-2 Start
Both the Lions and the Bears are looking to avoid a 0-2 start to the season. Despite a loss not being devastating, the Lions aim to enter their "Monday Night Football" game against the Ravens with a victory under their belt. For the Bears, a loss would raise early questions about Ben Johnson's head coaching abilities.
Expert Predictions: Lions Favored at Home
Five Free Press sports writers have weighed in on the game, with all predicting a Lions victory. Here's a summary of their thoughts:
- Dave Birkett: Expects the Lions running game to improve, with Jahmyr Gibbs playing a key role. He predicts Lions 27, Bears 21.
- Carlos Monarrez: Believes the Lions' offense will fare better against the Bears' defense. He predicts Lions 24, Bears 20.
- Rainer Sabin: Highlights the Lions' motivation to rebound after their Week 1 loss and the added spark of facing their former offensive coordinator. He predicts Lions 27, Bears 21.
- Jeff Seidel: Anticipates Ben Johnson to pose a challenge in the first half, but ultimately believes the Lions' home-field advantage will be the difference. He predicts Lions 29, Bears 24.
- Shawn Windsor: Foresees the Lions improving their red-zone efficiency and overcoming the Bears, driven by the Ford Field crowd and the desire to defeat Ben Johnson. He predicts Lions 27, Bears 23.
How to Watch: Streaming Options
The game will be broadcast on Fox. For those without traditional cable, streaming options are available via Sling TV, offering both Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue plans that include Fox.
| Service | Plan | Channels (Key) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling TV | Sling Blue | Fox, ABC, NFL Network, Bravo | $45.99/month |
| Sling TV | Sling Orange + Blue | Fox, Freeform, ESPN, Disney Channel, NFL Network | $60.99/month |
Game Details and Odds
The Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions game is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. EST. The Detroit Lions are favored to win at Ford Field with a 5.5-point spread.
Dan Campbell's Confidence: "We're Going to Win"
Lions coach Dan Campbell has expressed strong confidence in his team's ability to defeat the Bears. He emphasized the importance of winning, especially after a disappointing Week 1 performance. According to the Detroit News, Campbell stated, "We’re going in, getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game. We have to." An 0-2 start would be particularly concerning for the Lions, given their Super Bowl aspirations.
