Bears vs. Lions: Matt Forte and 4 Players Lions Must Control to Get Win

The day is finally here: Monday Night Football is in Detroit. 

At this point it may be a little hard to believe, but it's true, Monday Night Football is here. The Lions will be on display to the football world tonight as they look to begin their season 5-0 for the first time since 1956. Lions fever has swept the city and after seemingly a lifetime of struggles, and Detroit is ready to roar. 

The Lions will host the Chicago Bears, who are an honest 2-2 thus far. Keep in mind that this is the NFC North, the "Black and Blue" division—nothing comes easy and the Bears won't gift wrap a win for the Lions, especially on Monday night.

The Lions are on a roll right now, the hype for this team hasn't been seen in the Internet age, but tonight's game won't be a cake walk for the Lions. The Bears would like nothing more than to spoil the party.  

The Bears feature a couple of deadly weapons on offense and some all-time tough defenders. The Lions must harness the electricity in the air that'll be in Ford Field and throughout the city and play four solid quarters of football in order to beat the Bears. 

The Lions must control Matt Forte and these Chicago Bears to get the win. 

No. 4: Lance Briggs Is a True Monster

Lance Briggs is a man possessed right now. In just four games this year, Briggs has 36 tackles and a forced fumble on his resume. 

The Lions will have to be aware of where Briggs is on the field at all times. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will have to make sure to check Briggs at the line on every play. The Lions have an already struggling running game and the likes of Briggs, and Brian Urlacher won't make it easy to succeed. 

Look for the Lions to come out pass heavy early in the game in order to spread out Briggs and establish the running game. 

No. 3: Do Not Punt the Ball to Devin Hester

Last week NFL fans were once again reminded why it's a fatal mistake to give Devin Hester an opportunity to return a punt.

Hester went the distance against the Carolina Panthers as he solidified himself as the greatest punt-returner in NFL history. The Chicago Bears ended up beating the Panthers, 34-29 as Hester proved to be the difference.

This is a no-brainer—just don't do it.

One way to avoid Hester returning punts is to convert on third down, which the Lions have done only 32.1 percent of the time this year. 

No. 2: Halt the Freak That Is Julius Peppers

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford may still have nightmares about Julius Peppers. After all, Peppers hindered Stafford's 2010 season in the first game when he steamrolled the young quarterback. 

Peppers only has nine tackles and two sacks through four games, so he'll undoubtedly be looking to have a big game on Monday night.

This game may be the make-or-break game in terms of credibility for Lions lineman, Jeff Backus. Fans have mixed emotions about the 11-year veteran, who's been known as "Jeff Sackus" in the past.  It'll be his duty to stop Peppers tonight, something he's failed to before. 

Look for the Lions to double-team the Bears stud defensive end all evening.

No. 1: Don't Let Matt Forte Repeat His Week 4 Performance

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte ran circles around the Carolina Panthers last week. He ended up with 25 carries for 205 yards and a touchdown. Forte also caught four balls for 23 yards.

On the season, Forte leads the Bears in rushing and receiving yards, along with receptions. The Lions definitely have to keep him in check if they're to win.

The good news for the Lions: Matt Forte only had 119 yards on 35 carries in the first three games of the season. Whether or not Forte will have a repeat performance of Week 4 remains to be seen. After all, the Panthers are ranked near the bottom of the entire league in rushing yards allowed.

Look for the Lions to foil Forte and stop the Bears on Monday Night Football.