| Chicago Bears (0-1) at Detroit Lions (0-1) |
| Game Details: Sunday, September 14, 1 pm EST |
| Location: Ford Field |
| Where to Watch: Fox |
The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears clash this Sunday at Ford Field in what promises to be an emotionally charged NFC North battle. Both teams enter Week 2 with identical 0-1 records, making this contest crucial for early-season momentum. The weight of history looms large over this matchup: since 1990, only 11.5% of teams starting 0-2 have clawed their way into the playoffs.
This game carries extra emotional baggage with Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit. The new Bears head coach spent three seasons as Dan Campbell’s offensive coordinator and six total years as a Lions assistant before taking the Chicago job this offseason. Johnson’s intimate knowledge of Detroit’s system could provide Chicago with a significant strategic advantage, though the Lions know his tendencies just as well.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | +6.5 (-118) | Over 47.5 | +220 |
| Detroit | -6.5 (-104) | Under 47.5 | -260 |
** Odds Courtesy of FanDuel**
Tale of The Tape
| Chicago | Stats | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | Points Per Game | 13 |
| 198 | Passing Yards Per Game | 200 |
| 119 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 46 |
| 27 | Opponents Points Per Game Allowed | 27 |
| 130 | Opponents Pass Yards Allowed | 188 |
| 120 | Opponents Rush Yards Allowed | 78 |
Key Details
Chicago Bears
The Bears’ Monday night collapse against Minnesota exposed some troubling weaknesses that have fans questioning whether this team is ready to compete. Caleb Williams, the highly-touted rookie quarterback, struggled with accuracy in crucial moments and appeared overwhelmed by the pressure. His late-game mistakes directly contributed to what should have been a comfortable victory turning into a devastating defeat.
Johnson’s offensive system is complex, and Williams clearly needs more time to master the nuances. The chemistry between the quarterback and receivers looked disjointed, with timing routes consistently off-target. The Bears managed to build a substantial lead early, but their inability to close out games remains a concerning pattern that could plague them throughout the season.
The defense showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t maintain consistency when it mattered most. Key injuries have depleted their depth, with three starters missing Week 1 and likely questionable for this Sunday’s matchup. Nahshon Wright’s injury during the Vikings game further weakened an already thin secondary, leaving Johnson with limited options in the defensive backfield.
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ Week 1 performance against Green Bay was nothing short of shocking for a team that won 15 games last season. Their rushing attack, typically their bread and butter, managed just 46 yards against the Packers: a performance that left fans questioning whether last year’s magic was sustainable. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the dynamic duo that terrorized defenses in 2024, looked ordinary and struggled to find running lanes.
Jared Goff appeared rattled throughout much of the game, missing open receivers and making uncharacteristic decisions under pressure. The offensive line, which was supposed to be a strength, failed to provide adequate protection and couldn’t establish the ground game that opens up Detroit’s entire offensive scheme. Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling, usually a strength, backfired in several key situations.
Prediction
Detroit got beat by the Green Bay Packers. They did not lose it; they just did not have enough to win. They will not let that happen again against Chicago, which still does not look like it can handle adversity. A touchdown spread makes me hesitate, but the Lions will win big.
