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Edgar Chaput
Bears vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Week 17 Odds, Prediction
The Bears are playing for pride, as well as figuring out how to rejigger its offence to fit Justin Fields’ skill set. On the other hand, the Lions find themselves in a tense battle with a handful of teams for the NFC’s final three playoff spots.
As it stands, the Lions are favoured by 6-points on the NFL odds. The over-under is set at 52 points.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
There is no love lost between these regular opponents. Even though Chicago holds a 3-2 edge over the last five contests, it’s the most recent one that rings loudly. Back in November, the squads took to the field in Chicago. Matt Eberflus’ Bears looked to have a commanding 24-10 lead heading into the final quarter. Historically Detroit isn’t a very good road squad but that didn’t matter on the day. The Lions roared back and claimed a dramatic 31-30 win.
It hasn’t been an easy season for the Bears or those who have put their faith in the squad when considering spreads. At 3-12 in the win-loss columns, the playoffs haven’t been a subject of conversation for a few weeks already. Chicago hasn’t done much better ATS, earning themselves a 5-9-1 record for their efforts. Late-season doldrums have set in, with the Illinois club covering only one of its last six tries.
Detroit is a stellar 10-5 ATS on the season. Those curious to know how the team earned such an enviable record need look no further than the brilliant seven-game stretch that started in early November against, ironically, the Bears. All good things come to an end, as did their successful covers when they fell to the Panthers by two touchdowns last week.
Chicago Bears
Losers of eight straight, the Bears enter this Week 17 game hoping for a solid effort and maybe even play the role of spoiler. As the season has gone on the performances have gotten worse. They were battered by the Jets a month ago, went down meekly to the Packers (again) and then played back-to-back home games against the top teams in both the NFC and AFC.
For what it was worth, the home side led 10-6 at halftime against the Bills. Whatever seeds of doubt may have been planted in Buffalo’s mind they weren’t settled deeply enough. Josh Allen and the running duo of Devin Singletary and James Cook took over in the second half. Buffalo erupted for 29 points on four touchdowns, ultimately marching away from Soldier Field with a 35-13 victory.
Detroit Lions
The defeat at the hands of the Panthers on Christmas Eve was disappointing for several reasons. First, nobody likes losing. Second, it halted an incredible run the team had been on that has placed them firmly in the race for a Wild Card spot. Third, the performance was miserable.
Detroit looked unprepared and out of its depth. The game seemed to turn on a dime. With the score tied 7-7 early in the second frame and the Lions threatening in the red zone, Jared Goff bobbled a snap. The Panthers pounced on the loose ball and never looked back. Its dynamic running back duo of D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard made mincemeat of Detroit’s defence, trotting to the tune of 290 yards combined. When all was said and done, a close game turned into a 37-23 final, with Detroit scoring 10 consolation points in the fourth.
CHI
DET