Lions vs Bears Betting News: Folks Running to Bet the ‘Under’
Inclement Weather and Injuries Have Bettors Acting
Line Moving Towards Bears and the ‘Under’
The latest Lions vs Bears betting news shows the public betting for Chicago and the total to go under. From its opener of Chicago +5.5 and a total of 46.5, the lines cut to Chicago +3 and a total of 43 points. The Bears covered against Detroit and were this close to winning last time. Key NFL injuries for Detroit plus potentially blustery weather also make offenses hard to trust.
Lions vs Bears 
Records: Detroit Lions (9-3), Chicago Bears (4-8)
Day/Time:
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Streaming: FOX
Is Detroit in Dire Straits?
Detroit is 9-3 and 1.5 NFL games ahead in the NFC North standings. But the team is just squeaking out victories. Its last four wins have been by eight points or less. The defense is struggling and has given up 26 or more points in five of its last six games. And as much as the offense is shouldering the load, an injury to Frank Ragnow at center could complicate things.
“Yeah, look, I would say this, I feel like more than anything, we got good news, but that doesn’t mean that he’s going to be available this week,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said about Ragnow on Monday.
Ragnow missed practice and is listed as having three injuries: toe, back, and knee. If he can’t go, it might be more difficult for his quarterback, Jared Goff to throw the football. Goff will also have to contend with potentially rainy and windy weather.
Detroit was too dependent on the passing game. But the rejuvenation of its running game, 163.8 rushing yards per game in its last five, makes this offense more versatile. However, it is going against the Bears’ stalwart rushing defense. If Chicago stifles the run, Detroit could become too one-dimensional.
On top of that, the defense will miss defensive tackle Alim McNeill with a knee injury. Given these worrisome Lions vs Bears betting news, combined with Chicago’s prolific rushing attack, it’s no wonder folks are running away from Detroit’s spread. And even at -175 to win outright, Detroit backers may have to sweat as they have in past games.
Bears Could Have Lions Where They Want Them
Even at 4-8, Chicago has been showing flashes. This team has often shot itself in the foot. But it remains a promising underdog. It is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in its past six games. And if the NFL odds this week are any indication, Chicago may just finish what it started in Detroit three weeks ago.
Unlike Detroit, there isn’t significant Lions vs Bears betting news on Chicago. Most of its key players and starters are healthy. Quarterback Justin Fields has started consecutive games. While he did not dominate, he helped the Bears to go 2-0 ATS in two divisional games.
The bye week should also help Chicago as Matt Eberflus gets an extra week to fix what plagued the Bears in that 31-26 loss. The defense has played its butt off in these last two games, forcing four turnovers in each matchup. However, giving up a pair of touchdowns with over four minutes to go is unacceptable.
Chicago’s defense is last in red-zone conversion percentage (73.5%) and third-last in third-down conversion rate (46.1%). That won’t do against a Lions team that is in the top 12 in both categories. A touchdown may be what decides the results in this rematch.
Most NFL predictions are with the home underdogs here. Around 65% of tickets and over 90% of money are with Chicago. Most of the money, 65%, is on the total to go under. Four of Chicago’s last five games have gone under their totals. If the defense can exploit a potential hole in Detroit’s offense, the early bettors may be on the money.
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