The Chicago Bears (6-9) are going up against the Detroit Lions (2-13) on the road Sunday and both teams are missing the playoffs once again this year.  The Bears are coming off one of their best games of the year after beating the Minnesota Vikings in overtime last week, and if they play like that this week the Lions have no chance.  The Bears defense needs to be ready to stop the run, something they have not done a good job of this season.  They give up 128 rushing yards per game, but the Lions don’t have much of a passing game so the Bears should be able to key in on stopping the run.  Mathew Stafford is out for the Lions, so it will be either Drew Stanton or Daunte Culpepper taking the snaps.  The Bears will be without cornerback Charles Tillman, but neither Lions’ quarterback has done well in limited playing time this season, so it could be a good day for the Bears’ defense.

The Bears may be without Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox, who both have been big threats in the return game.  Knox has been a threat in the passing game too, and with Devin Hester still out the Bears will be very depleted at receiver if Knox cannot go.  That will make things harder for Jay Cutler, but he and receiver Devin Aromashodu had a lot of success last game.  Matt Forte will have to step up, and although it has been a disappointing season for Forte, he did have his best game of the season against the Lions in their last matchup with 121 yards and a touchdown.  The Bears should definitely win and head coach Lovie Smith needs a convincing win if he wants any chance of returning next season.

PREDICTION:  Chicago Bears 24, Detroit Lions 13