Bears vs. Lions 2014 picks and predictions: Experts see Detroit breaking losing streak

Most experts see Detroit breaking its two-game losing streak against Chicago.

Nov 27, 2014, 1:10 PM UTC

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The Detroit Lions have lost their last two games. They look to end the skid at home against the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving.

Though only a game out of the division lead, the Lions have major concerns going forward. Their offense, once one of the league's most explosive units, has struggled mightily under new head coach Jim Caldwell. Matthew Stafford has completed less than 59 percent of his passes while throwing nearly as many picks (10) as touchdowns (13). A high-ankle sprain for star receiver Calvin Johnson hasn't helped, though he has played the team's last three games. What's keeping Detroit in games has been its stellar defense, a unit that looks to terrorize its opponent again this week.

Chicago's offense, too, has disappointed in 2014. After leading the NFC in points a year ago, the Bears find themselves barely inside the top 20 in per game scoring. Head coach Marc Trestman and quarterback Jay Cutler have come under fire as a result. Things could get even worse as the team lost its second starting offensive lineman this week with Brian de la Puente heading to injured reserve with an ankle injury.

The experts are nearly all-in on the Lions for Thanksgiving. Seven of CBS Sports’ eight-man panel sided with them.

CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco had this to say about the game:

The Bears have won two consecutive games to show some life and get to 5-6. The Lions have lost their past two, both on the road. The offense hasn’t done much the past few weeks, but that changes here. The Bears’ defense is the perfect tonic. Matt Stafford gets it going.

Here at SB Nation, six of our seven experts are leaning toward Detroit.