Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

This one’s for all the marbles, Bears fans. It’s Week 17 at Ford Field, and the Chicago Bears will meet the Detroit Lions for the 166^th time with the Bears holding a 95-65-5 edge.  The Lions have lost five of their last seven against the Bears at Ford Field and 12 of the last 15 meetings overall.  You know the Lions would love to play the spoiler and keep the Bears out of the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six years.  Bears QB Jay Cutler has performed well against the Lions, having thrown just one interception and 11 touchdowns in seven career games against them as a Bear.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson has already set the record for receiving yards in a season with 1,892, but you know he would love to be the first wide receiver ever to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark.  The Bears can expect a healthy dose of Calvin, who leads the league with 117 receptions, throughout the game.

Bears WR Brandon Marshall, who leads the team with 11 touchdowns, is rewriting Bears history books, already setting franchise records for catches in a season (113) and receiving yards in a season (1,466).  He also ranks in the Bears all-time top 50 for career receptions (44^th), receiving yards (44^th) and receiving touchdowns (32^nd).  If he can catch three touchdown passes on Sunday, he will also set the franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a season, currently 13 held by Dick Gordon (1970) and Ken Kavanaugh (1947).

Let’s check out some more numbers for this Sunday’s game.

4:  Number of career sacks by Bears DE Julius Peppers against the Lions in five games as a Bear.

6, 0:  Number of touchdowns and interceptions, respectively, thrown by Cutler against the Lions in three career games at Ford Field.

7.8:  Average catches per game by Lions WR Calvin Johnson in 2012.

4:  Averages catches per game by Calvin Johnson against the Bears at Ford Field in four career games.

11:  Number of combined career forced fumbles against the Lions by Peppers (5), Lance Briggs (3) and Charles Tillman (3).

7:  Number of games Bears RB Matt Forte has gained 100 or more yards from scrimmage against the Lions in nine career starts against them.

90:  Yards from scrimmage needed by Forte to reach 1,400 or more for the fifth consecutive season.

10/10/11:  The last time Cutler completed more than 23 passes in a game (against the Lions at Ford Field).

8:  Completions needed by Cutler to pass Jim Harbaugh (1,023) for first on the Bears all-time list.

13:  Consecutive road games the Bears have committed at least one turnover (last game without one was October 10, 2011 at Ford Field against the Lions).

37:  Number of sacks by the Bears defensive line, second most in the NFL this season.

304:  Average total yards per game given up by the Bears defense on the road this season.

435:  Average total yards per game by the Lions offense at home this season.

27.3:  Average points per game given up by the Lions defense at home this season.

10:  Number of defensive (6) and special teams (4) touchdowns scored against the Lions this season.

2:  Number of games where a single Bears receiver other than Marshall gained more than 50 yards (both were Alshon Jeffery).

5:  Number of times the Bears have turned the ball over on their first offensive possession of the game this season. (They are 3-2 in those games.)

1-4:  Bears record this season when they commit more turnovers than their opponents.

4:  Number of punt returns by Bears opponents of seven or more yards.

22:  Number of games since Bears KR Devin Hester has returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown (Last: 11/13/11 kickoff return against the Detroit Lions).

1:  Number of first quarter scoring drives of 80 or more yards by the Bears this season.

0:  Number of first quarter passing plays of 20 or more yards by the Bears this season.

The numbers do not lie.  The Bears need to get off to a fast start this week and not let the Lions have any hope of winning the game.  Lions QB Matthew Stafford isn’t afraid to throw the ball often, and when he does, the Lions usually lose (they are 1-8 when he throws 50 or more times in a game).  The more times the ball is in the air, the more chances the Bears have at creating turnovers.

This is it.  Four quarters of Cutler running for his life and hoping the defense and special teams can create some magic.  Then routing for the Green Bay Packers for three hours…ew, gross.  But it has to be done.  What a way for the regular season finish up.

Oct 10, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; A Monday Night Football sign before the game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears and Lions are set to restore their rivalry at Soldier Field on Monday night.  It’s been 15 days since the Bears last played and almost a full month since they graced the lakefront. It ought to be rocking under the lights.

The Lions bring the #2 offense in yards per game to face the Bears’ top scoring defense.  The Lions may have saved their season last week when they rallied to beat the Eagles in overtime.  Meanwhile, the Bears come off a bye week sitting alone atop the NFC Nroth.  To help us get ready for this showdown, we reached out to Zac Snyder, editor of Side Lion Report, to get his take on the game.  Here are my questions and Zac’s answers: (more…)

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) go face to face during a fight in the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Lions 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

In Week 7, the Chicago Bears (4-1) will meet the Detroit Lions (2-3) for the 165^th time in their history with the Bears holding a 94-65-5 advantage.  The Bears are 53-24-4 and have won six of the last seven games at Soldier Field against the Lions.  This will be the first time that these two teams meet on Monday night at Soldier Field.

This rivalry has turned ugly over the past few years, with on-field fights and lots of penalties (26 for 198 yards last year when the teams met on Monday night).  You can expect much of the same this week.  The Lions are known for playing dirty and the Bears could fall into their style of play again if they aren’t careful.

The Lions have underachieved all season long, losing three games by eight points or less and needing a fourth quarter comeback in both of their wins.  The Bears defense has been playing out of its mind recently, scoring five touchdowns in their last three games and ranking in the top five in the league in sacks (18, 5^th), opponents yards per game (291.2, 3^rd), opponents points per game (14.2, 1^st), and interceptions (13, 1^st).  Let’s see how the numbers shape up for this primetime slugfest.

5-1:  The Bears record against the Lions with Jim Schwartz as their head coach.  Also, the Bears record in the game following a bye week since 2006.

7:  Number of times that one team swept the season series between the Bears-Lions since Lovie Smith began coaching in 2004.  Bears swept the Lions five times (’05, ’06, ’08, ’09, ‘10).  Lions swept the Bears two times (’04, ‘07).  Series split in 2011.

1:  Number of times that the Lions have picked off Jay Cutler in seven career games (182 pass attempts).  Also, number of touchdowns by Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson at Soldier Field in five career games.

7, 3:  Number of sacks and forced fumbles on Cutler by Lions defensive end Cliff Avril in six career games.

10, 5:  Number of sacks and forced fumbles by Julius Peppers in 10 career games against the Lions.

6:  Interceptions thrown by Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford against the Bears in four career games.

12-1:  Bears record when Forte rushes for 100+ yards in a game (only loss was to Detroit last season).

7:  Receiving (2), kick return (3) and punt return (2) touchdowns by Devin Hester in 10 Monday Night Football games.

5.0:  Matt Forte’s average yards per carry against the Lions in eight career games (135 attempts, 678 rushing yards).

4:  Plays of 40+ yards from scrimmage by Forte against the Lions.

8:  Touchdowns of 60+ yards scored against the Lions this season.

115:  Passing yards needed by Cutler (10,468) to pass Erik Kramer (10,582) for fourth place all-time in Bears franchise history.

0:  Points scored by Bears opponents on their first drive of the first and second half this season.

14.2:  Bears average points per game allowed this season, first in the NFL.

14.7:  Lions average points per game scored at Soldier Field since 2005.

118.4:  Cutler’s fourth quarter QB rating this season, which ranks first in the NFL.

4:  Touchdowns scored in the second half by the Bears defense this season.

12:  Total touchdowns scored in the second half by the Bears this season.

3:  Touchdowns scored in the second half by Bears opponents this season.

65:  Second half/overtime points scored by the Lions in three road games this season.

Primetime games for the Bears are always interesting.  Cutler is going to have to keep his eye on Avril and Stafford is going to have to watch out for Peppers.  Hester has been known to shine on Monday night, so we will have to see if the Lions even give him a chance at a return.  It is going to come down to whose defense can stop the other team’s offense late in the game.  No lead will be safe come Monday night.  Who knows, with the way things have been going for the Bears, we may even see the game end on a Charles Tillman or Lance Briggs pick-six in OT, Mike Brown style.

Oct 10, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best (44) rushes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Almost a year after suffering a concussion that cost him most of his 2011 season, Jahvid Best found out today that he’s still not been medically cleared to play in the 2012 season. Best had one of his best games of his career last year in Week #5 on Monday Night Football in Detroit when Best galloped 88 yards for the sealing TD in the 24-13 win against the Chicago Bears last October.  If you like nightmares here’s a YouTube clip of Best not getting touched.

Best ended the night with 12 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown, but his season would be finished a week later against the San Francisco 49ers.  Now for the time being his season is over, and it sure doesn’t look promising for a return to the playing field ever again.  Best seemed like he was ready to breakout after the Bears game, but now we probably will never know how much talent and how far Best could have helped the Lions in their quest to return to consistently winning football games.

Next Monday night the Bears face the Lions again in prime time battle, but the Lions may never have Best again on their roster ever again.  I never root for the enemy, but I also don’t like to see a player robbed of his career because of a concussion either.  Get Well Soon Jahvid!

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) go face to face during a fight in the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Lions 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Detroit Lions

Record- 10-6 ( Lost to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round)

Coach- Jim Schwartz 18-30 0-1 playoffs

Key Subtractions- Qb Drew Stanton,  Lb Bobby Carpenter, Cb Aaron Berry, Cb Eric Wright

Key Additions- Wr Jarett Dillard,  T Jonathan Scott, De Everette Brown, Cb Jacob Lacey

Meeting Dates- Week 6 in Chicago, Week 17 in Detroit

All-Time Record- Bears lead 94-65-5

Strength of Schedule- 20th

Fantasy Impact- Matthew Stafford rounds 1-4, Calvin Johnson Round 1, Brandon Pettigrew rd 6 (more…)

August 25, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

A major scare happened for the Detroit Lions  yesterday while playing in Oakland and no it wasn’t the Raiders fans.  Matthew Stafford watched in horror as his left hand blew up on the sideline after Dave Tollefson drove him  to the ground after an incomplete pass. While falling to the ground Tollefson helmet and Stafford’s left hand collided.  It looked very bad for Stafford with bandages and a brace being applied, but the team and the city were relieved when X-rays were negative.  Stafford was 8-10 for 68 yards before the injury, and he is not expected (like almost every other regular starter in the NFL) to play in the last pre-season game but should be ready for their opening game versus the St Louis Rams on September 9th.

Stafford wasn’t the only injury the Raiders inflicted upon the Lions.  The Raiders roughed up two cornerbacks in Bill Bentley and Chris Houston. Bentley has a shoulder injury while Houston has an ankle injury.  Running Back Kevin Smith left the game with what looked like a serious ankle injury, but his X-ray’s like Staffords were negative.  A lot of injuries but all of these players without any setbacks are expected to be on the playing field week one.

The scariest part of the game really should be that Mikel Leshoure has not established anything so far in the pre-season.  Even though he is suspended for the first two games, Leshoure is able to practice and play in the pre-season. He has dressed for the pre-season, but he has hardly played or impressed,  and when he’s been given the ball it hasn’t been very productive. Leshoure carried 5 times for 1 yard and had 1 catch for 6 yards.  The Lions have a lot of hope that he will be RB1 after his suspension, but his pre-season production diminishes that anticipation!

It was BEARly worth mentioning, but they are our rival!

DA BEARS

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

News and Notes from around the NFC North

Green Bay Packers

-Eric Walden was suspended for one game for a domestic dispute that occurred on Thanksgiving Day. He will miss the opening game of the season against the SanFrancisco 49ers. Walden was arrested for the dispute but didn’t have to serve any jail time.  He did agree to 50 hours of community service and counseling.

-After going 15-1 the Packers are looking for “Redemption” after losing in the divisional playoff game against the NY Giants . If you want to get fired up for the Chicago Bears to beat down the Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, watch this clip via the fansided Packer site LombardiAve

- While listening to Jim Rome interviewing Aaron Rodgers, Rodgers expressed the fact that the Packers probably won’t go 15-1 again this year, but there’s a great chance that they will be a better team.  Rodgers told Rome that he expects the team to run more and be better on the defensive side of the ball. Oh yea he’s still going to throw the ball A LOT!!

- Defense has been the focus at camp getting all 6 draft picks on the field and ready for the season.  The Packers know that their defense was their achilles heel and the rookies impact will be a big difference maker good or bad.

- Donald Driver has had a very good start to training camp on his personal proving the critics wrong tour while trying to reserve a roster spot this season

Detroit Lions

Jahvid Best. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

- Jahvid Best was put on the PUP list after not being cleared to practice.  With Mikel Leshoure suspended for the first two games, Kevin Smith is penciled in as the first string starter for opening day for the time being.

-Alphonso Smith gets the first shot at cornerback after Aaron Berry was released.  Chris Houston is the other starter heading into training camp for a secondary that was shredded in the last two game of the season.

- Jim Schwartz claims that Detroit’s arrest extravaganza is over now that training camp has begun because none of the arrests happened in Detroit. Yes the Lions camp is in Detroit so now we understand Schwartz’s fifth grade logic

Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

-TE John Carlson suffered a MCL sprain which could force him to miss the rest of training camp.  The sprain is the same type that Matt Forte suffered last season.

- Leslie Frazier is on the hot seat but he has not been given any target numbers to hit to keep his job for next season.

-TE Kyle Rudolph stood out in the first week of training camp and could be a nice late round TE pick up in fantasy football.

- The health of Adrian Peterson will be a question mark until he reaches the playing field.  He may not be totally healthy until mid-season. He was taken to the hospital after an allergic reaction to something he ate.  He was fine after the hospital visit and returned to rehabbing his left knee.

This Season Opponents News

- Week 5 opponent Jacksonville Jaguars have two hold out situations 1. Justin Blackmon is the only draft picked not signed 2. Maurice Jones-Drew is holding out after not getting a long term deal—Aren’t we all glad that Matt Forte signed at the last second so that this kind of situation didn’t unfold in Bourbonnais!?!?

Nov 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) reacts after being ejected during the third quarter of the Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

What could possibly be the cherry on top of the sundae  for the Detroit Lions this off season?  How about a $1 million lawsuit to go along with all the arrests for the Lions. Ndamukong Suh was served with a million dollar suit Thursday from Saadia Van Winkle who was along for the ride on the night of December 3rd when Suh was involved in a one car collision while he was serving his two game suspension last season.

Suh allegedly offered Van Winkle $700 in hush money the day after the accident, but Van Winkle has other ideas after coming forth with injuries to her head and back and some stitches to her face from the crash. She also has stated emotional distress.  Suh did call 9-1-1 after the crash, but he declined any medical attention for him or his passengers.  Reports of the accident had Suh driving recklessly before the accident occured.

Suh was not charged for the accident, and now it’s up to his lawyers to find the right number to satisfy Van Winkle before a jury gets to hear the case.  It seems pretty drastic $700 to $1 million, so it will not be shocking when this gets settled for an undisclosed amount!

At least no one was arrested yesterday. It’s sure hasn’t been a dull summer for the Lions Public Relations Department

It was BEARly worth mentioning, but they are our rivals!