Bears Vs. Lions: 2011 Monday Night Football Predictions & TV Time

Simon Nguyen
Simon Nguyen, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 9, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The 2011 Monday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions is set for October 10 (8:30 PM EST) at Ford Field. ESPN will provide TV coverage for the contest. This article offers predictions for the NFL primetime game between the Bears (2-2) and Lions (4-0).

In any other year, a game between Chicago and Detroit would be a one-sided affair. The Bears average more than 9 wins a season the last five years, while the Lions have been fighting for relevancy. Yet, the roles seem to have reversed this season with Detroit enjoying an undefeated start and Chicago fighting hard to keep its playoff hopes alive. Monday's contest will be the two teams' 11th meeting in 5 years; the Bears are enjoying a 6-game winning streak against their division rival.

For Chicago to have a chance in this contest, the team must improve on all aspects of its game. So far this season, the Bears have been below average at both ends of the field. The team ranks in the back of the pack in most offensive and defensive categories. Chicago's defense, which has been the team's backbone the last few years, has not performed up to par. The Bears have given up an average of more than 30 points a game in the four contested games. Without a strong effort from the defense, the team's chances are dim.

For Detroit to win on Monday night, another robust effort from Matthew Stafford and the Lions' offense is a must. Detroit's offense has over-performed this season, averaging more than 30 points a game. Nonetheless, the team will have to improve on its running game which ranks last in the NFL. The Bears will surely be looking to put pressure on Stafford. Detroit needs to run a bit more to give its starting QB some breathing room.

Ultimately, it will come down to a tug of war between Chicago's defense and Detroit's offense. Whichever unit wins this battle will carry its team to victory.

My prediction - The Lions win 24-17 over the Bears; Matthew Stafford throws for 300+ yards.

Reference: ESPN.COM

Published by Simon Nguyen

Simon Nguyen is a researcher who holds a Master's degree in economics. His areas of expertise are public policy, labor and sport.  View profile

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