NFL Picks Week 5: Why the Lions Will Trounce the Bears Monday Night

Oh, what a time it is to be a Detroit sports fan.

Just last night, the Detroit Tigers bested the New York Yankees in order to advance to the ALCS, putting them one step closer to winning their first World Series title since 1984.

And now, for the first time in over 10 years, the undefeated Detroit Lions will be hosting a Monday Night Football game.

Better yet, it is against the much-hated division rival Chicago Bears.  Talk about icing on the cake.

But the Lions' path to a 5-0 record won’t be an easy one. 

After their decisive victory over the Carolina Panthers last week, the 2-2 Bears are finally beginning to find their identity.  In order to come away from this game with a W, the Lions will need to be playing at their best for the entire game.  No more of these historic, come-from-behind victories.

Fortunately, the Lions have favorable qualities that they can use in order to not only win this game and earn future MNF appearances but also prove to the nation that they are for real.

Jason Hanson’s Leg

For a 41-year-old that has been in the league for 20 years, Jason Hanson still has quite some leg power left.

Not only has the Detroit Lions kicker already made a clutch 51-yard field goal, but he has been flawless throughout the first quarter of the season. 

"Jason Hanson is one of those guys that you'll see in the Hall of Fame," said defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in an interview with The Detroit News.

Throughout his entire career, Hanson has been a fixture on the Lions' special teams.  And in a game that may very well be determined by three points, the dependable veteran will likely be called upon to do what he does best.

Brandon Pettigrew’s Hands

This intradivision game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears has all the makings of a grudge match that will be decided more by inches than yards. 

In that case, it is always advantageous to have someone willing to go across the middle of the field and fight for those extra inches.

Enter tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

This 265 lb. behemoth started the year out at a relatively slow pace but has shown over the last two games that he is a more-than-capable receiver, with a knack for using his big frame to get open.

And with a certain other Lions receiver (who shall remain nameless for now) likely drawing double coverage down the field, Pettigrew has a prime opportunity to make some big plays.

But in the end, it may be his ability to block and keep quarterback Matthew Stafford upright that helps turn him into a difference maker. 

As one of the better blocking tight ends in the league, Pettigrew will be tasked with helping the offensive line keep Julius Peppers and company away from Stafford.  

Ndamukong Suh’s Motor

As defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh watches film on the Chicago Bears this week, he will probably be viewing that woeful offensive line with a hunger in his eyes.

And after allowing 15 sacks in the first four games of the season (31st in the league), the Bears are probably watching film of Suh with a fear in their hearts. 

The Detroit Lions' run-stuffing/pass-rushing hybrid has not let up from the torrid pace he set last season.  With 12 tackles and two sacks on the season, he has been his usual dominant self, man-handling many of the offensive linemen that are unfortunate enough to get in his way.

If he can bring his A-game this week, Suh will be having Bears quarterback Jay Cutler running for his life.

Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson’s Connection

If there is one reason why so many people have jumped on the Detroit Lions' bandwagon, it is the duo of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. 

Not since the likes of Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald has there been such a combination of talent and chemistry between a quarterback and wide receiver.

Sure, Stafford has an incredible arm.  And yeah, Johnson has the strength and speed.  But these things are not what make these two a deadly duo.

It’s the confidence they have in each other. 

Even when Johnson is surrounded by the defense, as was the case in last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, Stafford has supreme faith in throwing it up and letting his big receiver come down with it. 

Which makes throwing to Johnson a no-brainer when he is only in single coverage.

“If we get that single coverage, it’s automatic it’s coming up to me,” Johnson said in an interview with NBC Sports.

If that is the case, then the Chicago Bears would be wise to have at least two men covering Johnson at all times.  But even that probably won’t stop this combination from hooking up for at least another score.

By the end of the season, Stafford-to-Johnson will almost become a name itself.