The Detroit Lions (8-8) and the Chicago Bears (11-5) meet Sunday in Week 18 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NFL odds around the Lions vs. Bears odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
Detroit’s season unraveled further in Week 17 with a 23-10 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, its third straight defeat that officially eliminated the Lions from playoff contention. Favored by 7.5 points, Detroit failed to cover as the Under (45) hit. The running game stalled at 68 team yards, while QB Jared Goff struggled with 5 turnovers (2 INTs and 3 fumbles lost) as part of 6 giveaways overall.
Chicago came up short in a Week 17 shootout, falling 42-38 to the San Francisco 49ers. They failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs while the Over (51.5) hit. QB Caleb Williams threw for 330 yards and 2 TDs, continuing to build chemistry with his rookie pass catchers. WR Luther Burden III caught 8 passes for 138 yards and a score and TE Colston Loveland added 6 receptions for 94 yards and a TD. Veteran back D’Andre Swift contributed 54 rushing yards and 2 scores.
Chicago was routed 52-21 at Detroit in the Week 2 meeting Sept. 14, failing to cover as 6.5-point road underdogs while the Over (46.5) hit.
Lions at Bears odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:12 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Lions +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Bears -160 (bet $160 to win $100)Against the spread (ATS): Lions +3 (+100) | Bears -3 (-120)Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Lions at Bears key injuries
Lions
LB Alex Anzalone (concussion/personal) outOL Kayode Awosika (illness) questionableOL Trystan Colon-Castillo (wrist) outOT Taylor Decker (shoulder/illness/rest) questionableS Thomas Harper (concussion) outG Christian Mahogany (illness) questionableOT Giovanni Manu (knee) questionableDT Alim McNeill (abdomen) outOT Penei Sewell (ankle) outWR Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee/ankle) questionable
Jets
DB Jaquan Brisker (illness) questionableDB Nick McCloud (illness) questionableWR Rome Odunze (foot) questionableDL Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (concussion) outOL Ozzy Trapilo (knee/quad) questionableLions at Bears picks and predictionsPrediction
Bears 28, Lions 24
PASS.
The Bears (-160) are motivated and want to go into the playoffs on a high note. I’ve got them winning and covering, so I’ll take my wager to the spread.
BET BEARS -3 (-120).
The Bears still have something to play for, with home-field positioning on the line, and that matters in a rivalry game. The NFC North champs have been reliable at home all season and are playing their best football right now.
Detroit, on the other hand, is already eliminated and looks like a team running on fumes. The Lions have lost 3 straight, haven’t covered numbers, and the defense has fallen apart late in the year. I’m not buying a sudden turnaround just because it’s a divisional matchup.
Chicago’s defense is creating pressure and turnovers, and the offense has been steady with Williams taking care of the ball. Add in Goff playing outdoors and questions about how much Detroit’s starters even play, and this sets up well for the home side. With a small number, I’m taking the Bears to cover at home.
BET OVER 50.5 (-110).
Recent results point to a higher-scoring game, with the Lions allowing 41, 29 and 31 points in recent losses and the Bears coming off a 42-38 shootout. Both teams rank top 5 in yards per play and points per game, led by efficient quarterback play. With Detroit forced to lean on its offense and Chicago comfortable scoring at home, this matchup favors points on both sides.
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