Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Chicago Bears will try to shake off the slow start that has left them winless so far this season when they battle the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Bears were without injured quarterback Jay Cutler in a 31-17 loss in Dallas last weekend to the Cowboys, failing to cover as 6.5-point underdogs and extending their current straight-up and against-the-spread losing streak to four games.

Since outlasting the Indianapolis Colts in a season-opening 39-35 victory as 2.5-point road underdogs the Lions have fallen flat, blowing a 13-point fourth-quarter lead in a 16-15 loss to the Tennessee Titans before spotting the Green Bay Packers an early 28-point lead in last week's 34-27 loss in Green Bay.

Point spread: The Lions opened as two-point favorites; the total was 46 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 22.8-21.7 Bears (NFL picks on every game)

Why the Lions can cover the spread

The Lions' current slide follows an impressive four-game tear, during which they averaged 32.5 points per game.

The offense has continued to produce, outgaining both the Titans and Packers. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns while valiantly attempting to mount a late comeback in Green Bay, and he has powered the Lions near the top of most offensive team stats.

The Lions tallied just 50 rushing yards against the Packers after averaging over 127 yards per game in their previous two outings, but they should be poised to kick-start their ground game against the Bears' 30th-ranked rush defense.

Why the Bears can cover the spread

Cutler returned to practice this week, but his status for Sunday is still up in the air. However, second-string veteran Brian Hoyer performed admirably in Dallas, connecting on 30 passes for 317 yards and two scores in last week's loss.

That could make Hoyer a solid choice to start against the Lions, who have been prone to defensive meltdowns this season while allowing a league-high 10 passing touchdowns.

Drawing first blood could make all the difference for the Bears against Detroit, which has given up points in bunches this season and is a mere 1-6 SU in its past seven games when failing to score first.

Smart pick

The Lions have carried over their inconsistent play from last season, with the defense experiencing prolonged breakdowns, which cost them a chance to win in their past two outings.

But with just over 16 points per game over their past four, it seems unlikely that the Bears have the horses to exploit Detroit's porous pass defense or keep pace with a Lions offense that has averaged over 413 total yards and 27 points per game this season. Look for the Lions to continue their dominance of Chicago by covering in their seventh straight SU win over the Bears.

Betting trends

The Lions are 6-0 SU in their last six games against the Bears.

The Lions are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games against the Bears.

The Bears are 1-8 SU in their last nine games against their division.

All NFL betting lines and point spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.