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Sports

Bears vs. Lions: Game Time and Analysis

The Bears come into a pivotal divisional game against Detroit on a three-game winning streak.

The Bears may be three-point favorites against Detroit on Sunday, but the point spread is far from the safest bet. For that, just ask Mike Tice and Frank Omiyale. With Chicago returning home for an important rematch with the resurgent Lions, it’s safe to say you could wager the house that the Bears won’t be whistled for nine false-start penalties.

The Lions have been doing it on both sides of the ball all season long, as shown in their 45-10 demolition of Denver before the bye week. Detroit QB Matthew Stafford has stayed healthy and been able to rely on Calvin Johnson in the passing game. Their offense complements a terrific defense that has been stout against the run and taken advantage of opponents’ mistakes by forcing 18 turnovers, including 11 interceptions.

In its first matchup against Chicago, Detroit got huge days from Jahvid Best and Johnson. Detroit's triple-digit yardage totals came largely as a result of big plays. Stafford hit Johnson for a 73-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the second quarter and Best’s 88-yard scamper late in the third quarter broke the game open for good.

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But since that Monday-night matchup in Detroit, Chicago has done a much better job in limiting big plays. They’ve replaced their safeties and the offensive line is getting more consistent pressure. In their three straight wins following the loss to Detroit, the Bears haven’t allowed a play to go for longer than 35 yards.

The Bears’ win over Philadelphia showed a number of good themes for a team that is playing its best ball of the season. Chicago overcame two fumbles from the normally reliable Matt Forte to beat Philadelphia on Monday night and extend their winning streak to three games. Forte had gone 374 touches without a fumble until Monday’s game against Philadelphia. The Bears also four-point fourth-quarter deficit by outscoring the Eagles 10-0 in the final 15 minutes.

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Earl Bennett made an immediate comeback in his first game back, catching five passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. If he can stay healthy, Bennett will be the difference-maker the Bears need in their passing attack.

No sack Cutler

The offensive line has grown by leaps and bounds since the loss to Detroit in Week 5. The much-maligned unit has yielded only three sacks in the last three games, compared to 18 in the first five. In addition, the Bears are rushing for more than 150 yards per game in that same period.

The Eagles had zero sacks and zero quarterback hits against Cutler, who seemed much more comfortable rolling out to his right. Look for Cutler to be on the move outside the pocket more often as the Martz offense continues to evolve into a system that better fits the Bears’ personnel.

With the Packers running away with the division, it will be Detroit and Chicago battling for one (or both) of the NFC wildcard playoff spots. If the Bears come away with a win on Sunday, it will bring things back to square one. Both teams would be 6-3 with a 1-1 split head to head. And after a 1-2 start to the year, the Bears will gladly take 50-50 odds just past the season’s midway point.

Game time 

The Chicago Bears will be hosting the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field at 3:15 p.m. on WFLD Fox TV.

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