Above all the Detroit Lions are known for two things. First, they have never made a Super Bowl. Second, they always host the morning Thanksgiving Day Game. It follows that this year will feature a traditional NFC North Division showdown. The division leading Chicago Bears are one of the biggest surprises in NFL betting. Hence first year head coach Matt Nagy has sparked an enormous turnaround. Meanwhile the Lions also have a new head coach. And Matt Patricia has given Detroit more of the same mediocrity that has been a franchise staple for decades.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Date and Time: Thursday, November 22, 2018, 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bears | -4 (-110) | 45 (-110) |  |
| Lions | +4 (-110) | 40½ (-110) | |
| |||
Bears vs. Lions TV Coverage: CBS
Detroit Lions
Comfortably sitting in their usual spot of the NFC North basement is Detroit. Overall the Lions are 4-6 straight up, 6-4 against the spread, and 6-4 over the total. Last week Detroit did snap a three game straight up losing streak. Carolina was the victim in a 20-19 loss at Ford Field. Overall the Lions do not have any real strengths. To show Detroit ranks 24th in the NFL for total offense and 26th for points allowed.
Chicago Bears
Atop the North stands Chicago at 7-3 both straight up and vs. the odds with seven games over the total. Last week the Bears paid 25-20 at home over Minnesota in their biggest win in several seasons. Summing up Chicago’s strength is quality balance. Fashion their NFL ranks of sixth for scoring offense and fourth for points allowed. On the whole the Bears rank best in the NFL against the run. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has flourished under Nagy. More emphatically he has a 9.7 rating with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Stats to Consider
Of great concern is the Bears poor NFL betting value as a road chalk. For example, Chicago has paid off in just three of their last nine laying points away from home. And 14 of their last 16 as a road favorite has gone over the total. On the other hand, Detroit has won and covered their last two games as a home dog. Longer term the Lions are 5-4 vs. the odds in that situation. Three of their last five as Ford Field pups have gone under the total.
Team vs. Team
Chicago has had the offshore betting value advantage in their series with Detroit. In fact, the Bears have lost just two of their last eight with the board against the Lions. Four of the last six between these teams have gone under the total. Balanced against that is Detroit’s strong advantage at Ford Field. To show, the Lions have covered six of their last eight home tilts against the Bears. Eight of the last 12 in this series at Ford Field have gone over the total.
Matchup to Watch
Of major concern is the Lions always get up for Thanksgiving Day at home. As mentioned earlier they also have the NFL betting edge at home with Chicago. Moreover, the Lions home win earlier this year against the Patriots serves warning. They are quite capable in this type of setting. And the Bears may be primed for a letdown after beating Minnesota last week.
Bears vs. Lions NFL Betting Odds Pick
To conclude Detroit is a very live home dog.
Bears vs. Lions NFL Betting Online Pick: Detroit Lions
Bears vs. Lions NFL Betting Online Score Prediction: Lions 28, Bears 27
Catch highlights of the Lions earlier national TV upset win over the Patriots this season!