The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Sunday against the Lions:
RICK MORRISSEY
Lions, 27-17: From the outside, this might look like an even fight. The Bears have a much better defense than the Lions do. The Lions have a much better quarterback than the Bears do. So why do I have the feeling Sunday is going to go sideways quickly for the Bears? Because they’ve lost four in a row. And because the Soldier Field crowd is going to turn surly. Season: 5-3.
RICK TELANDER
Bears, 23-22: I can’t help wondering: What happened to the Bears’ tight ends? Is Trey Burton that injured and Adam Shaheen that bad that they both should be replaced by tackles? Zero offense from them. Still, lose five in a row? Impossible, right? Season: 5-3.
PATRICK FINLEY
Lions, 24-20: The Bears have lost nine of their last 12 games against the boys in Honolulu blue. Sure, there’s an argument for a Bears victory — the offense benefits from playing a bad Lions defense and the defense looks dangerous playing with a lead — but I’ll ask the same question I did before the game against the Chargers: Why would you trust the Bears here? Season: 5-3.
MARK POTASH
Bears, 19-16: The Bears show few, if any, indications of a being ready to break out of their slump. But a division game, at home, with a four-game losing streak is a must-win situation. And this is one of the few games left this team can handle. Season: 4-4.
JASON LIESER
Bears, 20-17: This is a perfect week for the Bears to get their offense going. The Lions have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and coach Matt Nagy must be able to find something to exploit. Season: 3-5.