5 Detroit Lions who must play well vs. Chicago Bears in Week 17

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 24: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions hands off the ball to D'Andre Swift #32 during the second quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. QB Jared Goff

Goff had a very nice month of December, and he’ll certainly get votes for NFC Player of the Month if he doesn’t win it. His raw numbers against the Panthers were pretty good (355 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, 110.7 passer rating), however volume-driven as the Lions trailed 31-7 at the peak of their deficit. But he also didn’t complete at least 60 percent of his passes (25-for-42) for the first time since Week 9.

Goff’s interception-less streak is now at seven full games and 261 pass attempts overall. The Bears have 13 interceptions this season, but a big chunk of those are either out (Eddie Jackson), or no longer on the team (Roquan Smith). Their defense is, quite simply, thin on talent and experience right now and it has shown lately.

Goff thrives at home, and when he’s not pressured heavily. The Bears have a league-low sacks this season, with the expected low-level pressure (16.5 percent) and knockdown (4.1 percent) rates.

It’s all lined up for Goff to burn the Bears on Sunday, and have another interception-free outing in a virtual must-win game for the Lions.

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