The Bears swept the Lions last season by a combined score of 85-47 last season.  I don’t think the Lions are going to lay down that easy this year.  Here is a close look at the match-ups in this contest:

When the Bears have the football:  The Bears will likely be airing the ball out starting this Sunday.  They had trouble protecting Jay Cutler in the pre-season and that can’t continue if the Bears are going to win this Sunday.  If Cutler has time to throw the ball he should have little problem connecting with Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu down the field.  The Bears will also likely have RBs Matt Forte and Chester Taylor involved in the passing game as well as giving the offense some balance with their running.

When the Lions have the ball:  The Bears can’t wait to send DE Julius Peppers after Matt Stafford to try to rattle him in the pocket forcing him to make some mistakes.  I honestly think the Bears should key on stopping RB Jahvid Best in this game due to his outstanding speed.  Brian Urlacher better be on top of his game or Best will have a lot of success.  The Lions will also be using the TE more this season in the offense so Bears’ safeties Chris Harris and Danieal Manning better be on their toes.  WRs Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Bryant Johnson are also hard to match up with so the Bears’ D is going to have their hands full on Sunday.

PREDICTION:  BEARS 30, LIONS 27