Bears vs Lions game picks: Will Chicago continue Thanksgiving success?

The Chicago Bears (4-7) will battle the Detroit Lions (10-1) in Week 13, where Chicago is looking to snap a five-game losing streak while continuing their Thanksgiving success.

Chicago is coming off a 30-27 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which featured more coaching mishaps and self-inflicted mistakes that prevented another victory. The good news is rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had arguably the best game of his young career against a talented Brian Flores defense. That included leading the Bears to 11 points in the final two minutes to force overtime. Unfortunately, the defense surrendered 452 yards and collapsed in overtime to seal the defeat.

Heading into this Week 13 matchup, the Bears are looking to end their five-game losing streak and looking to build on Williams' success. Can Chicago shock the world and extend their Thanksgiving winning streak to five games? Our Bears Wire staff share their game picks for Thursday's matchup.

Alyssa Barbieri (6-5): Lions 37, Bears 24

The Bears have won four straight Thanksgiving games, including three straight over the Lions dating back to 2018. The Bears also played the Lions close last season, where they should've swept them after blowing a lead in Detroit before taking care of business in Chicago a few weeks later. Still, that history won't be enough to give them a chance in this game, which has all of the makings of a potential blowout win for the Lions. This Detroit team is the best in the NFL, and they've not only beaten teams but they've dominated them, including posting 50-plus points in a game twice this season.

While there was a time when this Bears defense was the reason they were winning or staying in games, that's not the case anymore. And this Lions offense has a slew of weapons, including the 1-2 punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as well as MVP-candidate quarterback Jared Goff and potential, future Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Chicago has allowed 818 total yards and 50 total points in the past two games against the Packers and Vikings, and Detroit should be able to take advantage of a deflated defense that hasn't been the same since the Hail Mary loss.

The only reason the Bears might stand a slight chance in this game is if rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues his upward trajectory, where he's played his best football under interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. That includes besting two great defenses in the Packers and Vikings. Chicago needs to find a more balanced attack to take the workload off Williams, who attempted 47 passes against Minnesota, and help open up play action downfield. All things considered, I believe this will be another solid game from Williams, but it won't be enough to take down the Super Bowl favorite Lions.

Brendan Sugrue (6-5): Lions 28, Bears 20

I can’t lie and say it’s not tempting to pick the Bears in this spot. It seems as if they play teams better on short rest when Matt Eberflus doesn’t have as much time to prepare for the upcoming opponent. Couple that with the fact that Detroit has lost seven Thanksgiving games in a row, including three to the Bears, and it's not crazy to talk yourself into an upset win. But let’s be real; this Lions team is steamrolling opponents right now, and the Bears are coming off a mentally draining overtime loss. Even in a less lopsided matchup, it would be challenging for the Bears to emerge victorious.

This still could be another solid game for Caleb Williams and the offense, though I am a bit worried about how he’s dealing with the change in routine this week. Detroit’s defense is missing key pieces, and the Bears offense is finding their groove. It’s the defense facing the Lions impressive offense that should have everyone concerned. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is going to be deep in his bag of tricks, pulling out wacky plays to show what the Bears could have in him as a potential future head coach. Not that they need anything fancy considering the Lions are top five in most offensive categories, but I’m sure Johnson has some sort of trick play named after a Thanksgiving dish ready to go for this one.

All that being said, the Bears have covered in two straight games, and the Lions are 10-point favorites. I see Chicago making this a close game (at least from a scoring standpoint) and keeping hope alive just enough until the final whistle.

Vinnie Parise (6-5): Lions 44, Bears 10

Some people think that the Chicago Bears have the Detroit Lions’ number. That is the past speaking. This Lions team is different and this Bears team is just the same. With Matt Eberflus going against Dan Campbell, the Bears don’t stand a chance.

Chicago’s offense is rolling now with Caleb Williams but against Detroit, they can only hope to see a few flashes from him. On defense, the Bears have been struggling and going up against Jared Goff’s squad at Ford Field in Detroit is not the best “get right” matchup.

Matt Eberflus wasn’t able to get his team ready during the bye-week and they’ve lost five straight since. What would make anyone think that they are going to go beat the best team in the NFL on a short week/holiday game? The Lions will not be sleeping on Thanksgiving night.

Mike Pendleton (6-5): Lions 42, Bears 24

There is no thought of false hope here, the Lions are extremely superior to what the Bears currently are doing. When watching this game, it’ll be a full display of what could be in Chicago, but upper management and lack of coaching execution has the team reeling again in 2024, with a glimmer of hope at the quarterback position.

Fans should prepare for a team in the Bears that will have some head-turning plays offensively with Caleb Williams continuing to thrive, while the defense gives stomach pains that should only be felt from eating too much turkey.

The last two weeks have been fun offensively for Chicago, which is more than has been said over the last few years. It will still be a painful watch, but at least the offense should provide something worthwhile for early morning Thanksgiving fun.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs Lions game picks: Will Chicago continue Thanksgiving success?