It’s really a must-win game for the Detroit Lions in Week 17, and here are early odds for the divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The Detroit Lions need help along the way to earn a playoff spot, and in Week 16 they not only lost but lost in a non-competitive way to the Carolina Panthers. Naturally their playoff odds took a hit, but not as big a one as could have happened since every team they needed to lose in Week 16 did.
It’s back home for the Lions in Week 17, with the 3-12 Chicago Bears coming to Ford Field. Back in Week 10, the Lions escaped Soldier Field with a 31-30 win. So they’ll be looking to complete the season sweep of the Bears, and keep their playoff chances afloat independent of other pertinent results.
Via FanDuel Sportsbook, here are early odds followed by a prediction for Lions-Bears in Week 17.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: Early odds and a prediction
Point Spread:
Lions: -5.5 (-110)
Bears: +5.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
Lions: -245
Bears: +200
Over/Under (52.5 points)
Over: -105
Under: -115
The Lions are pretty big favorites on Sunday, and that’s likely to stick all week. The Bears won’t lay down for them, in a division game with the chance to be a spoiler, but they’ve also lost eight in a row and despite being competitive in plenty of games over that stretch they just don’t have enough to compete when it’s all said done.
Much like last week at Carolina, and we know how that went, this is a game the Lions win if they are a playoff team. A loss won’t totally eliminate them on its own, but paired with a Washington Commanders win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday it would. Better to just take care of business and win a game that’s effectively a must-win.
Prediction: Lions 31, Bears 24.
The Lions get back on track with a win to get back to .500, with Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers lined up to meaningful for at least them. On the betting sides, the Lions cover and the over on the total hits.
Note: Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.