Bears predictions: Week 16 vs. Lions

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ home game Sunday against the Lions (noon, Fox 32):

Rick Morrissey

Lions, 35-20: Detroit is a wounded team, having just added running back David Mongomery and defensive tackle Alim McNeill to a long list of players lost to injuries. It will mean absolutely nothing against the Bears, unless the Lions are down to eight healthy players during Sunday's game. And even then ... Season: 11-3.

Rick Telander

Lions, 27-16: A whole bunch of Lions are injured, including Montgomery and star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, once a contender for defensive MVP. No matter. Would you pick the Bears to beat anybody, injured, healthy, otherwise? Season: 8-6.

Scoop Jackson

Lions, 34-20: Even without Montgomery on the field to rub what they lost in him (and what he gained being in Detroit) in the Bears organization’s face, the message will still be sent. And unfortunately received. Season: 8-6.

Patrick Finley

Lions, 34-24: Last year, the Broncos gave up 70 to the Dolphins and the next week beat the Bears 31-28. After allowing the Bills to score 48 Sunday, the Lions will give up half as many at Soldier Field. Season: 12-2.

Jason Lieser

Lions, 40-25: The Lions finished last in the NFC North at 3-13-1 in 2021. Since then, they're 33-15, while the Bears have gone 14-34. Season: 10-4.

Mark Potash

Lions, 30-24: The Bears play the Lions tough — they won 28-13 at Soldier Field last year — and are at home for the first time since Nov. 24. And the Lions are hurting — six Week 1 defensive starters are on IR. That might keep it close. Season: 9-5.