The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Sunday in Detroit (noon, Fox-32):
Patrick Finley
Lions, 27-21: The Lions’ playoff expectations are more legitimate than those of the Bears. They need this game — over the past 35 years, teams that start 1-1 make the playoffs 41.6% of the time. Teams that start 0-2 make it just 12.2%. This year: 1-0.
Jason Lieser
Lions, 27-20: The Bears had 10 offensive points going into the final minutes Monday and now face a Lions team sure to bring its A-game against Ben Johnson after losing the opener to the Packers. This year: 0-1
Mark Potash
Lions, 26-24: The Bears will be much more disciplined and Caleb Williams more consistent in Johnson’s second game. But the Lions will be better, too, coming off a tough opening loss to the Packers at Lambeau.
This year: 1-0
Steve Greenberg
Lions, 24-23: Let’s not assume the Lions — who couldn’t protect Jared Goff or run the ball at all in Green Bay — are automatically of playoff caliber. Note to Williams: Take your drop, plant your back foot and get the dang ball out. Is it really so complicated? This year: 1-0.
Scoop Jackson
Lions, 27-17: You know how there are things you regret saying in your “out loud” voice? Here’s one: Johnson got out-coached in the fourth quarter last week because of this game verses the Lions. It was, now is, psychological. This year: 0-1.
Patrick Finley
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