Bears vs Lions: 4 Keys for Matthew Stafford on Monday Night Football

It's the Detroit Lions' first Monday Night Football game in nearly a decade, and they are not the same team as they were during those past years.

The Lions are 4-0 and want to extend that streak to 5-0. If Matthew Stafford and the Lions want to defeat their rivals tonight, there are four keys for Stafford in winning tonight's game.

Bears' Defense

Matthew Stafford should keep an eye out for Julius Peppers, as the defensive end was responsible for his shoulder injury last year. However, lately, the Bears defense has not been what it used to be. They’ve allowed nearly 500 yards per game.

Hopefully, the Lions will be able to acquire a running game.

Taking Advantage

One of the best things about the Lions' offense is the wide amount of talent in receivers at all wide receiver, tight end and running back positions.

If Stafford can take advantage of this, the Bears’ defense will struggle at defending Stafford's passes, as the Bears have allowed an average of 301.5 passing yards per game.

Don't Save It for the Second Half

If Stafford and the Lions want to defeat the Bears, the offense needs to step up in the first half. Pulling off another amazing comeback—like the ones in the last two weeks—will be difficult, and especially tough against the Bears.

If the offense can start lighting up the scoreboard early, they may have this game in the bag.

Stafford-Johnson Connection

The past four games, Matthew Stafford has thrown eight TD passes to Calvin Johnson. While Johnson will no doubt be heavily guarded tonight, Stafford states that he still throws the ball to a guarded Johnson, because he has to give Megatron a chance.

If Johnson’s magical hands can find their way to the ball, the two of them will rack up the scoreboard.