The Chicago Bears got thumped last week and they have lost two games in a row but playing the Rams usually gets teams back on track.  The Rams have lost their last three games by a combined 116-32!  The Bears will likely keep it simple in this game and pound rookie RB Matt Forte against a soft Rams’ defense which allows 158.4 yards rushing per game and 4.7 ypc.  After the run is established then look for Kyle Orton to take some deep shots off play action as the Rams are allowing 233.7 yards passing per game and opposing QBs have a 101.8 rating against them.

The Rams should throw caution to the wind and attack the Bears with the passing game.  For that to happen the Rams will need to protect Marc Bulger better as Rams’ QBs have been sacked 32 times already this season.  The Bears are allowing 249.3 yards passing per game so this could be the week that Torry Holt gets his game going again.  Rookie WRs Donnie Avery and Derek Stanley also could notch some big plays in this game.  With Steven Jackson out again it will be up to Antonio Pittman to step up against a Bears’ defense that is allowing only 87.4 yards rushing per game and 3.4 ypc.

PREDICTION:  CHICAGO BEARS 31, ST. LOUIS RAMS 20

The Chicago Bears will be without starting QB Kyle Orton for the next 3-4 weeks due to a ankle injury.  This is a big blow to the Bears’ offense as Orton has been fantastic this season for them.  In 8 games, Orton has completed 151 of 244 passes (61.9%) for 1,777 yards with 10 TD passes and 4 interceptions (90.8 QB Rating).  He also has carried the ball 13 times for 45 yards (3.5 ypc) with a TD run as he has solidified his hold on the starting job for the Bears with his effort this season.  The Bears will need Rex Grossman to step up to keep their playoff hopes alive while Orton is out.  Grossman has played in 2 games for the Bears this season and he is 8 for 18 (44.4%) for 58 yards with 1 TD pass and 1 interception (47.9 QB Rating).  He also has carried the ball 2 times for 3 yards (1.5 ypc) with a TD run.  The Bears better hope that Kyle Orton is a quick healer as Grossman is still very mistake prone.

These are two teams moving in very different directions.  The Lions are 0-7 and they have lost 14 of their last 15 games dating back to last season while the Bears are 4-3 and have won 3 of their last 4 games.  The Bears punished the Lions a few weeks ago 34-7 in Detroit and this game might not look much different.  The Lions should probably abandon the run against a Bears’ defense that is allowing only 85.9 yards rushing and 3.7 yards per carry.  The Lions should just come off of the team bus throwing the ball against a Bears’ D that is allowing 243.1 yards passing per game.  Dan Orlovsky will still have to be careful with the football as the Bears already have 10 interceptions this season.  Still, the Bears will likely double cover Calvin Johnson (29 rec, 588 yards, 3 TDs) and force the Lions to throw the ball to Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald.

The Bears will likely be able to do whatever they want on offense as the Lions allow 162.9 yards rushing (4.7 ypc) and 258.7 yards passing.  Opposing QBs have thrown 12 TD passes and only 1 interception against the Lions’ D compiling a stunning 118.0 QB Rating.  The Bears will likely try to get back to a balanced attack feeding the ball to rookie RB Matt Forte on the ground (515 yards, 3.5 ypc, 4 TDs) and in the air (29 rec, 223 yards, 2 TDs).  Kyle Orton has been fantasic this season for the Bears and that will continue this week as he will spread the ball around and keep all of his receivers happy.

PREDICTION:  CHICAGO BEARS 41, DETROIT LIONS 7