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5 bold predictions for the Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears in Week 17

By Brad Berreman

Detroit Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams (9) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) warm up before action against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Ford Field.Lionsminn 121122 Kd 240
Detroit Lions wide receivers Jameson Williams (9) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) warm up before action against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at Ford Field.Lionsminn 121122 Kd 240 /
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Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Lions running backs rush for at least 150 yards

The Lions rush offense has simply not been all that good lately, and it was finally totally exposed against Carolina in Week 16. D’Andre Swift and especially Jamaal Williams have struggled lately, but if they don’t get right this week something is very wrong.

The Bears have the third-worst run defense in the league going into Week 17, and they’re allowing 4.9 yards per carry as well. Over their last handful of games, they’re allowing close to 170 yards on the ground per game and over five yards per carry.

I don’t know that I’d recommend starting Swift or Williams in fantasy this week, even in a great matchup. Williams is too touchdown-dependent, and Swift is too volatile to confidently rely on in championship week for most leagues. Mix in whatever work Justin Jackson gets, and it becomes a three-man committee.

But combined Swift, Williams and Jackson, with little resistance from a Bears’ defense that is probably just ready for the season to end. By the time Sunday’s game ends, 150 rushing yards from Lions’ backs might look like a low bar to have set here.

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