Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The exciting 4-0 Detroit Lions will host the 2-2 Chicago Bears in a big-time NFC North clash on Monday Night Football. It was clear that the Lions had a very talented young team, but few could have known that they would be so good, so fast.

The Lions have used an explosive passing game anchored by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson to start the season undefeated and stage two dramatic comebacks. The Lions will certainly be looking to have a much easier time against the Bears.

Chicago will certainly be ready for the game as well, though, since it won't want to fall to three games back in the division. The Bears found a lot of success against the Carolina Panthers last week with Matt Forte running the ball, so it will be interesting to see if they counter Detroit's passing attack with a run-heavy offense.

Where: Ford Field in Detroit, MI

When: Monday, Oct. 10 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Spread: Detroit Lions (-6)

If you predicted that the Detroit Lions would get off to a 4-0 start this season, then you have probably made yourself a nice chunk of change. The Lions have covered against the spread three times thus far and pushed once. 

Chicago hasn't covered in three consecutive weeks, however, and with the Lions at home on the big stage, I would expect them to beat the Bears by at least a touchdown.

Over/Under: 48

Bears Key Injuries

Out: DB Chris Harris (hamstring), WR Earl Bennett (chest), OL Gabe Carimi (knee)

Questionable: DB Major Wright (neck)

Lions Key Injuries

Questionable: LB Justin Durant (concussion), DB Erik Coleman (ankle)

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Matthew Stafford—The Lions' quarterback has been excellent this season with over 1,200 yards and 11 scores in four games. The Bears have been torched by the pass in recent weeks, and I expect that to continue.

RB Matt Forte‚—It has long been said that Bears running back Matt Forte was the equivalent of Marshall Faulk in Mike Martz's offense, but it is finally coming to fruition. Forte has over 300 yards rushing and receiving through four games and is "Mr. Everything" for the Bears.

WR Calvin Johnson—Despite the fact that everyone knows that Stafford will look to Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and despite that fact that he is often double or triple covered, Johnson continues to dominate with eight touchdowns in four game. Defenses can't stop him, they can only hope to contain him.

Keys to Bears Win

In order to succeed against the Lions on Monday, the Bears will have to copy their offensive gameplan from last week against the Panthers. Too often Martz becomes pass-happy in his play-calling and both quarterback Jay Cutler and the team as a whole pay for it.

The Bears continually ran Forte last week and it paid dividends. The Lions aren't particularly good against the run and they have a great pass rush, so establishing the running game is an absolute must.

Keys to Lions Win

First and foremost, the Lions need to get an early lead. Come-from-behind wins show great character, but the Lions can't expect to fall behind in every single game and still come back in the end. This certainly won't happen against a team with a running back as strong as Forte.

Detroit's bread and butter is the passing game and it will have to be banging on all cylinders on Monday since the Bears struggle mightily to defend the pass. If Stafford and Johnson can get something going, then it could be a long night for Chicago. 

Prediction

Lions 31, Bears 23