Bears vs. Lions: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

A battle for NFC North supremacy is on tap when the Chicago Bears head to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions. 

Chicago enters this game with an undefeated record, and rookie head coach Marc Trestman has already had a big impact on Jay Cutler and the Bears offense. Through three games, Chicago has put up 95 points, and it's likely the team will need another big score to win this weekend. 

As usual, Detroit's offense starts and ends with Matthew Stafford's right arm, and Calvin Johnson is once again the league's premier pass-catching weapon. The Lions have won two games this year, and a big win at home against the Bears would put this team in first place in the NFC North. 

The quarterback duel between Cutler and Stafford will be fun to watch, as both men are capable of lighting up the scoreboard. 

Here's what you need to know about this upcoming contest.

When: Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. ET

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich. 

Watch: FOX

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers) 

• Over/Under: 47.5 pts.
• Spread: Detroit (-3)

Bears Injury Report (via ChicagoBears.com) 

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	WED.	THU.	FRI.	GAME STATUS
Bowman, Zack	CB	knee	LP	FP	FP	probable
McManis, Sherrick	CB	quad	DNP	DNP	DNP	doubtful
Melton, Henry	DT	knee	Out	Out	Out	Out
Tillman, Charles	CB	knee/groin	DNP	DNP	LP	questionable

Lions Injury Report (via DetroitLions.com)

POS.	NAME	INJURY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	STATUS
WR	Nate Burleson	Forearm	DNP	DNP	DNP	Out
WR	Patrick Edwards	Ankle	LP	LP	LP	Doubtful
DE	Ezekiel Ansah	Abdomen	LP	LP	LP	Questionable
S	Don Carey	Hamstring	LP	LP	LP	Questionable
T	Jason Fox	Groin	LP	LP	FP	Questionable
T	Corey Hilliard	Groin	Not Listed	LP	LP	Questionable
RB	Reggie Bush	Knee	FP	FP	FP	Probable
CB	Chris Houston	Hand	Not Listed	LP	FP	Probable
WR	Calvin Johnson	Knee	DNP	LP	FP	Probable
S	Louis Delmas	Knee	DNP	LP	DNP	Probable
LB	DeAndre Levy	Abdomen	LP	LP	FP	Probable
LB	Ashlee Palmer	Ankle	LP	LP	FP	Probable
G	Rob Sims	Shoulder	DNP	LP	FP	Probable
DT	Ndamukong Suh	Knee	Not Listed	LP	FP	Probable

Can Detroit Overcome the Loss of Nate Burleson?

Veteran receiver Nate Burleson has been a big part of Detroit's passing attack this year, leading the team with 19 receptions through three games—four of which have been for over 20 yards. 

Unfortunately, Burleson broke both bones in his forearm during a single-car accident this week and will have surgery, as noted by Tim Twentyman of the Lions:

In his stead, second-year receiver Ryan Broyles will be pressed into duty. Broyles is a slot specialist who caught 22 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns last year. 

Thankfully, the Lions will likely have Reggie Bush back this weekend, and his ability to make plays in the passing game could minimize the loss of Burleson. 

Bush expects to play after sitting out Week 3 with a knee injury. He told reporters that he could have played against Washington and that he'll "be fine" to play this weekend against the Lions, as noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. 

Prediction

Chicago has been tested early this year, but the Bears have found ways to win. 

Cutler is getting the ball out of his hands faster this year than he has in recent seasons. In addition to Brandon Marshall, who is always one of his favorite targets, he is beginning to build chemistry with tight end Martellus Bennett and second-year receiver Alshon Jeffery. 

Combined with the thunder-and-lightning duo of Matt Forte and Michael Bush, the Bears have a tremendously balanced offense that is starting to develop a ferocious identity. 

The Lions are too inconsistent on both sides of the ball to beat the surging Bears. 

Final Score 

Bears win 31-28

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