Lions vs. Bears 2013 final score: Lions hold off Bears, 21-19, claim 1st place in division
The Lions edged the Bears at home, 21-19, and now sit in sole possession of first place in the NFC North.
The Detroit Lions used another strong effort by Calvin Johnson to hold off the Chicago Bears, 21-19, on Sunday afternoon. They move to 6-3 and sit alone atop the NFC North.
Jay Cutler returned from a groin injury and wasted no time reconnecting with his favorite weapon. The Bears' quarterback hooked up with Brandon Marshall for a 32-yard touchdown on the opening drive. The Lions answered right back with a strike to Kris Durham from Matthew Stafford.
Neither team did much of note for most of the first half, although Calvin Johnson passed Randy Moss for the most career receiving yards in his first 100 games. The Bears drove down to the goal line at the end of the first half trying to take the lead, but Cutler threw an end zone pick to DeAndre Levy. The teams went into halftime tied, 7-7.
The Lions took a quick lead in the third quarter thanks to yet another crazy touchdown catch by Johnson. Things were quiet until the fourth quarter, when Stafford was picked off on a pass that sailed over Johnson's head. The Bears failed to cash in with a touchdown, settling for a field goal to cut the deficit to one point. Detroit had a chance to extend its lead, but David Akers missed a field goal.
The Lions got the ball back and drove back down into the red zone. This time they did extend their lead when Stafford hooked up with Johnson again, giving Detroit a 21-13 lead. Megatron broke the Lions’ franchise record for receiving touchdowns on the play.
Cutler, hobbled for much of the game, finally sat out for the Bears' two-minute drive, letting Josh McCown take over with the game on the line. He drove the Bears down to the 10-yard line with just over a minute left and found Marshall in the end zone, making it 21-19 Lions. Chicago got two shots at a two-point conversion thanks to a personal foul by the Lions, but missed both times. Detroit recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.
Fantasy studs and duds
Brandon Marshall was his usual self, grabbing seven catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Reggie Bush had another big game, recording 113 total yards on 17 touches. On the other hand, Matt Forte disappointed, getting just 33 yards on 17 carries.
Injury report
Jay Cutler missed a few plays and was slow to move all day, but did not leave the game until the very end.
Did they cover?
The Lions entered the game as one-point favorites, according to Oddsshark.
What’s next?
Chicago vs. Baltimore, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. ET
Detroit at Pittsburgh, Nov. 17, 1 p.m. ET
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