In Brief
Lions WR Calvin Johnson has yet to have a 100-yard receiving game this year.
(Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press) (Kevin Terrell / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
The Bears survived an injury to starting quarterback Kyle Orton and knocked down a desperation pass from the Lions' Dan Orlovsky as time expired to beat Detroit, 27-23, in Week 9 last season.
Streaks:
Chicago has won six of the past eight games in this historic rivalry and possesses a decisive 89-64-5 overall series edge.
Last week:
Devin Hester got loose for a 36-yard touchdown catch as Chicago rallied past host Seattle, 25-19. ... The Lionssnapped a 19-game losing skid with a 19-14 win over the visiting Redskins.
Keep your eye on ...
Detroit's confidence level: For the first time in a long time, the Lions can enter a game on a winning note and not have their epic losing skid hanging over them. The Lions nearly ended that streak in their last game against the Bears and figure to have a great sense of belief that they can pull off the upset this time around.
Calvin Johnson's impact: Detroit's third-year wide receiver is one of the most talented players in the league and will look to exploit a Chicago secondary that has struggled at times this year. If the Bears decide to double Johnson (as the Redskins did last week), veteran Bryant Johnson has shown he is capable of making plays on the other side.
Jay Cutler's improving rapport with his receivers: Since a forgettable Week 1 loss in Green Bay, Cutler has played much better. He has thrown five touchdowns with only one interception in his past two games and appears to be developing good chemistry with Hester and rookie wideout Johnny Knox. The Lions have the league's 30th-ranked pass defense, so Cutler could be in for a big day.
Did you know?
These teams first met in 1930 with the Lions (then known as the Portsmouth Spartans) defeating the Bears, 7-6. ... Detroit has converted on all four of its fourth-down attempts this year. ... The Bears are second in the NFC with nine sacks. ... Chicago RB Matt Forte is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry.
