Bears vs. Lions: Calvin Johnson Will Show World He Is NFL's Best Receiver

Calvin Johnson has thrown his name into the conversation for the NFL's best receiver. Tonight, in the bright lights of Monday Night Football, he is going to close that conversation.

Johnson is going to torch the Bears' battered defense.

Football Outsiders rank the Bears as 31st in the NFL defending opposing No. 1 receivers. So while the Bears clearly know that stopping Johnson needs to be a priority, there is little they can do about it.

Bears coach Lovie Smith talked about Johnson and was quoted on themorningsun.com:

“There’s not a whole lot more I can say that hasn’t been said about Calvin Johnson—special, athlete, playing that way, competitor—all those things. I mean, he’s in our division, so we should know him well, which we do."

The Bears will get to know Johnson a little better in this game. I expect Matt Stafford to target Johnson early and often. Especially when they get near the end zone.

Johnson is 11th in the NFL in receptions at 24. A mind-boggling one-third of those receptions have been for a touchdown. His eight TDs lead the league by a comfortable margin.

Johnson is clearly the most unstoppable weapon in the crowded confines of the red zone. He is 6'5" with good hops, strength and amazing hands.

At some point, and likely multiple points, in this game he is going to go up and make a catch that no one else in the league could make.