Windy City Gridiron
Hello, Chicago Bears fans! Well, after the thrilling game against the Niners that, unfortunately, ended in disappointment, the 1st overall seed and bye in the first round of the NFL playoffs is off the table for the Beloved. However, there is still something to play for, as a win against the Detroit Lions (or an Eagles loss) will secure the #2 seed for the Bears, ensuring a home playoff game against the Green Bay Packers next week. While the Eagles are expected to sit their key starters, including their starting QB, Jaylen Hurts, there has been no indication to date that the Bears intend to rest any of their important players. At this point, Caleb Williams is expected to start and play the whole game. Of course, circumstances might change during the game, making this a particularly difficult game to predict for our WCG contributors. Nonetheless, we have given it our best shot. Our best guesses below:
GOOCH: Bears 34, Lions 14. I think there is still a bad taste in the mouth of Ben Johnson after that 50+ shellacking the Lions put on the Bears in Detroit, and I think he intends to wash it clean in this game. I’m expecting the Bears get back to their ground and pound approach, with both KM and Swift topping 80 yards rushing in the game and posting two touchdowns between them. Caleb throws for exactly 271 yards, becoming the first 4000+ yard passer in Chicago Bears history. Loveland and DJ Moore both catch touchdowns. On defense, Booker sacks Goff twice and Sweat adds another as Goff continues to look like a pumpkin when the temperature plummets. Gibbs gets 100 yards plus and St. Brown catches a TD, but for the most part the Bears contain the diminished Lions. They secure the #2 seed and look forward to welcoming the Packers back to Soldier Field.
Sam: Records and stats mean nothing to Ben Johnson, and rightly so. But I think ugly losses do, too. There’s no shot Johnson isn’t thinking about Campbell’s decision for the 4th and goal touchdown with the Lions leading 45-21 in September. The Bears want to wash last week’s loss away and be in position for the best possible seeding. Bears 28, Lions 23
Jack R Salo: Bears 27-17. The Lions have struggled in the second half of this season. It looks like their offense is really missing Ben Johnson, and the defense probably needs to find some more firepower this offseason. Bears build a big lead early, and after checking in on the Eagles’ score, they run the clock and head to the playoffs. (edited)
Gary Baugher Jr.: Bears 30, Lions 24: Jared Goff historically has been awful in the cold, and the kick off temperature is slated to be 28. This is a much different Bears offense from the week 2 blow out we suffered. Monangai, Burden, and Loveland all had limited roles in that game; since then, they have become staples of the offense and...
