Bears vs. Lions: 5 bold predictions for Thursday's matchup

Thanksgiving 2024 is just hours away, which officially begins when the Chicago Bears take on the Detroit Lions for the first game of the holiday. The Bears (4-7) are in a tailspin, having lost five straight games with their postseason hopes on life support. They suffered yet another heartbreaking loss when they fell to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime, the latest one-score loss in head coach Matt Eberflus' tenure.

Detroit has the complete opposite problem—they can't seem to lose. The Lions (10-1) have rattled off nine straight wins, with most of them coming in convincing fashion. Most recently, they dismantled the Indianapolis Colts and are in the driver's seat for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.

Though the Lions are an elite team at the moment, they have had their struggles on Thanksgiving, having lost seven straight. Can the Bears take advantage and steal a game in Detroit? Here are our bold predictions ahead of Thursday's holiday game:

1. Caleb Williams throws his 1st interception in over a month

All good things must come to an end. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' five-game streak without throwing an interception has been impressive, especially as he has started to push the ball downfield more frequently in recent weeks. Williams has attempted 193 passes without throwing a pick, just 18 shy of tying Kyler Murray for the longest streak by a rookie quarterback. He may break that record, but the streak will end at some point on Thursday.

Detroit is third in the league in defensive interceptions with 14, and the Bears narrowly escaped throwing a pick to the Minnesota Vikings, who lead the league with 16 interceptions. Assuming the Bears go down early to the Lions, they will be passing quite a bit to try and catch up. Williams is only getting more aggressive with his throws, which is a good thing for his development. At some point, however, he's going to turn the ball over.

2. D'Andre Swift goes off against his old team

We have ourselves an intriguing revenge game for both running backs. David Montgomery faces off against his old team once again after signing with the Lions last offseason. It seemed like he was going to pair up with D'Andre Swift to give the Lions a dangerous one-two punch. That never materialized as Detroit drafted Jahmyr Gibbs to replace Swift, who was shipped off to Philadelphia.

A year and a half later, Swift finally gets the opportunity to go up against his old team, and he's going to make the most of it. Swift had a tumultuous tenure in Detroit, dealing with injuries and coaching criticisms. He's found a home in Chicago, though, and will be motivated to showcase his skills. With the Lions missing multiple defensive players, such as Alex Anzalone, Carlton Davis, and of course Aidan Hutchinson, Swift has a chance to make a big impact. I can see him totaling 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

3. Sam LaPorta has his best game of the year

For the vast majority of the season, the Bears have struggled against opposing tight ends. We've seen players like Zack Ertz, Austin Hooper, Evan Engram, and most recently, TJ Hockenson, make big plays against the back seven. The Vikings tight end totaled seven catches for 114 yards. Now, Sam LaPorta has the chance to continue the trend.

LaPorta hasn't been the difference maker the Lions saw last year during his rookie season. Through 10 games, he has just 28 receptions for 385 yards and three scores. Amon-Ra St. Brown commands the lion's share of the targets (no pun intended), though LaPorta has seen at least six targets in the last two games. The Bears are more vulnerable with their linebackers on tight ends, and if Jaylon Johnson somehow locks up St. Brown, LaPorta will reap the benefits. He will have his best game of the season on Thursday.

4. Ben Johnson gets tricky against the Bears

There have been a number of rumors flying around about Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and his perceived interest in a potential head coaching position with the Bears—and for good reason. Johnson is arguably the hottest coaching candidate and should have his pick of all of the openings early next year. Assuming the Bears are on the list if they choose to move on from Eberflus, why wouldn't he put on a show for the brass in attendance?

Johnson will have a play or two up his sleeve that will catch the Bears defense by surprise. It could be some sort of halfback pass from Montgomery or a lineman carry for a touchdown (that would sting). He has already dug deep into his bag of tricks earlier this year, so it makes sense he would have something to show on Thanksgiving.

5. Tyrique Stevenson gets his 1st pick since Week 1

It's been a rough season for Tyrique Stevenson. Ever since his mishap against the Washington Commanders, he has been in and out of the lineup, failing to re-establish himself as a solid cornerback. Terell Smith is now seeing more snaps than him, and his coverage skills are lacking when he's in the lineup. Stevenson hasn't even registered a pass breakup since Week 9.

Something has to give, and fortunately, Stevenson has had success against Jared Goff and the Detroit offense. Last season, Stevenson registered one pick and two pass deflections in two games against the Lions. With Jaylon Johnson likely shadowing St. Brown, the ball will surely come Stevenson's way at some point. Goff has been erratic with the football at times, and Stevenson will get his first interception since Week 1, hopefully restoring some of his confidence for the final stretch of games.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Lions: 5 bold predictions for Thursday's matchup