Streaks
The Bears have won four of the last five games and lead the overall series 88-63-5.
Last week
The Lions capitalized on Tampa Bay mistakes to beat the Bucs 23-16 and stay unbeaten at home. Running back Kevin Jones made his first start of the season, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Out of timeouts, Bears quarterback Brian Griese engineered a 97-yard touchdown drive in the final two minutes to defeat the Eagles 19-16.
At stake
This is a huge game for both teams as the division rivals chase Green Bay (5-1) in the ultra-competitive NFC North.
Key matchup:
Lions RB Kevin Jones vs. Bears DT Tommie Harris. The Lions started to find a rhythm on the ground last week; the 147 yards on the ground matched Jon Kitna's yardage through the air. Expect a healthier Jones to test a Chicago defense that has lost the intimidation factor it used to impose on opponents, dropping to 30th in the league. That ranking -- and intimidation -- is sure to improve now that the Pro Bowler Harris is healthy and has brought his run-stuffing ability and swagger back to the field. "Detroit don't come into Chicago and win in our stadium." Harris told the Chicago Tribune. on Monday. "We have to be 4-4 going into our (week off). We have to be. ... I'm going to do whatever I have to do for us to be 4-4."
Did you know?
The Lions are tied for the NFL lead with 16 takeaways (nine interceptions, seven fumble recoveries). ... Griese aims for his third straight 300-yard game and is averaging 351.5 yards over the past two weeks.
