Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions: Week 14 keys to the game

Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) warms-up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) warms-up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
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Will the Chicago Bears be able to sweep the Detroit Lions this season? The Lions are currently favored by a touchdown, but if the Bears follow these keys, they will earn the upset.

The Chicago Bears earned their first victory since Halloween last Sunday. Unfortunately, the Bears don’t have the privilege of playing the 49ers every week. Chicago won their first matchup against Detroit, but this is a different team than the one they faced in week 4.

The Lions are currently on a 4 game win streak and quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing the best football of his career. If the Bears want to play spoiler, they will have to follow these keys and then some.

Before we look to this week, let’s see how the Bears did with last week’s keys:

1) Feed Howard 20 carries: Howard received 32 carries, gained 117 yards, and barreled in for 3 touchdowns. Last Sunday was the third game that Howard received over 20 carries, it was also the third Bears victory of the season. Coincidence? I THINK NOT!

2) Bring the sack back to Chicago: The front 7 of the Bears had been quiet for the last couple weeks, but they came out roaring against the 49ers. I said that the Bears needed to record two sacks and limit Kaepernick to 30 yards rushing or less. The Bears tallied 6 sacks and limited Kaepernick to 20 yards on 6 carries. Needless to say, the Bears earned this key.

3) Cameron Meredith’s return as a viable weapon: The Bears must be thrilled that Meredith got rolling again last Sunday. While I said that he needed 75 yards and a score, his 67 yards on 3 receptions were enough for me to give the Bears this key.

Week 13 keys: 3/3

Schedule