Lions vs. Bears: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

We are about to find out if the Detroit Lions have what it takes to take the next step toward the postseason when they travel to play the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a crucial NFC North matchup. A win and the Lions would be in possession of second place in the division, but a loss and the Lions and Bears would be tied at 6-3.

Detroit defeated Chicago 24-13 on October 10, but this is a completely different team. Since the loss, Chicago has won three straight games.

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

When: Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. EST

Watch: FOX

Listen: 97.1 The Ticket (WXFT-FM) in Detroit, WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9 FM in Chicago.

Betting Line

Chicago (-3), according to Bodog.

Coming off a six-point victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago does deserve to be favored given the way they have played recently and because they will be playing in front of their home crowd.

What’s at Stake?

A Detroit loss would mean that the teams would be tied in the NFC North. A Detroit win would give the Lions an edge not only in the win/loss column but with a tiebreaker. It would also give people more belief in what the Lions can accomplish this season, seeing as we are past the midway point of the season.

If Chicago wins, people will be saying that they and the Green Bay Packers may be set for their second straight NFC Championship game.

Bears Injury Report

OT Gabe Carimi is out with a knee injury.

DE Julius Peppers is questionable with a knee injury.

WR Devin Hester is questionable with an ankle injury.

Lions Injury Report

RB Jahvid Best is questionable with a concussion.

PK Jason Hanson is questionable with a knee injury.

QB Matthew Stafford is probable with a finger/ankle issue.

TE Brandon Pettigrew is probable with an elbow injury.

Fantasy Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em and Sleeper

Start ‘Em: Bears WR Earl Bennett. He played his first game since September 18 on Monday night against the Eagles. He has always been the go-to guy for Jay Cutler, even in college, and that proved correct on Monday night as he caught five passes for 95 yards and one touchdown. When in doubt, Cutler will be looking for his pal any chance he gets.

Sit ‘Em: Lions RB Jahvid Best. Concussions are a traumatic brain injury and shouldn’t be rushed. There is nobody that can realistically say he would be worth starting in a fantasy league until you see his full recovery. You just don’t rush into things like this. Look at Sidney Crosby in the NHL. We have been waiting 10 months for his return. It’s a process. Some people are different in their return, but fantasy owners can't risk it.

Sleeper: Bears RB Marion Barber. He has scored a touchdown in every game but one this season, including three straight. He will get his share of the carries when the Bears are in the red zone.

What They’re Saying

CBS Sports takes a look back to the past in this NFC North rivalry:

“Detroit has lost its last three visits to Chicago—all during its league-record 26-game losing streak on the road. Since that slide, however, the Lions have won a franchise-record six straight away from home. This season, they've opened 4-0 on the road for the first time since 1956, when they went on to win the NFL title.”

Bears Player to Watch

RB Matt Forte. Detroit has struggled against the run in 2011 and there hasn’t been a back as productive as Forte. He is one of the best dual-threat options out of the backfield, and if he can get things going, Chicago has a great chance to win the game.

Lions Player to Watch

QB Matthew Stafford. As is the case for all 32 NFL teams, quarterback play is crucial. Detroit's third-year quarterback has stayed relatively healthy this year, and the results tell the story. He will need to stay healthy if they want to compete down the stretch.

Key Matchup

Detroit’s front four vs. Chicago’s offensive line. Ndamukong Suh and the front four of the Lions is one of the best in the entire NFL. Chicago’s offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL. The winner of this matchup will win the game. When Cutler gets protection he is lethal.

On the Hotseat

Both coaches are in good shape.

Prediction: Bears 20, Lions 17

Chicago is a much different team than they were in their previous matchup. I’ll give the home team the advantage in this NFC North battle.