Lions vs Bears Betting Odds and Pick – January 3, 2016

Dominating isn’t often a word used to describe the Detroit Lions, but after five straight wins over the Chicago Bears, it seems appropriate. With basically nothing on the line for either team (except a better draft pick for the loser), the players will simply be playing for the love of the game, or for pending free-agents, fatter contract offers in the offseason.

Shark Bites

The visiting team is 2-7-1 ATS in the last 10 games in this matchup.
In 13 career games vs the Lions, Jay Cutler has 18 TD passes and eight interceptions.
The total has gone OVER in the Bears' last four games.

Some alarming trends stick out for the Bears heading into the game. Most disturbing for the team and their season ticket holders is the team’s 1-9 SU home record in their last 10 games. They’ve also been a bad bet against divisional opponents, posting a 6-14 ATS record in their last 20 games vs divisional foes.

The Lions will be looking to end the season on a three game win streak, after winning their last two games, both SU and ATS. The Lions won a close game over the Bears on October 18th—37-34. Matthew Stafford went off in the game for 405 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Calvin Johnson had his only 100+ receiving yard game of the season—catching six balls, for 166 yards and a touchdown.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

The Detroit Lions betting odds line opened as 1.5-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked here at Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while the total was hovering around 45 at most shops.

Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 25-23 victory for the Bears. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.

Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Chicago Bears are 6-9 so far on the season, and 8-7 ATS vs the point spread. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, are 6-9 and 6-9 ATS. Those over under betting have seen Chicago go 8-7 and the Detroit Lions go 9-6 on the totals. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs Detroit injuries news.

According to the Power Rankings here at Odds Shark it's the No. 16-rated Chicago Bears and the No. 12-rated Detroit Lions in this matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Offensively, the game matches up the Chicago Bears No. 22-ranked offense (21 PPG) against a Detroit Lions defense that ranks No. 25 at 25.33 PPG. The Bears passing attack has averaged 228.6 yards per game, less than the Lions give up through the air (237.07 YPG on average).

In comparing defenses, the Detroit Lions own the league's No. 28-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 132.71 yards per game when on the road. Chicago, on the other hand, rates No. 12 this week in generating rushing yards at home.