Chicago and Detroit could serve up a Thanksgiving thriller

Sky Sports Action, 5.30pm Thursday

Chicago have become surprise contenders in the NFC North this season and victory at divisional rivals Detroit in the first match of the Thanksgiving triple-header would undoubtedly boost their playoff credentials.

The Bears have improved immensely under Matt Nagy since winning just five games last season. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has enjoyed a decent sophomore campaign and Khalil Mack's capture from Oakland has boosted the defence.

These teams met two weeks ago in Illinois when the Bears claimed a 34-22 victory in which Trubisky threw three touchdown passes and ran one in himself, so the visitors will be desperate to see him recover from the shoulder injury that has left him a doubtful starter.

However, they have a poor recent record at the Lions, who proved again on Sunday that they cannot be regarded by the game's leading lights as a pushover, particularly at Ford Field.

They claimed a 20-19 victory over Carolina in Week 11 and both New England and Green Bay have had nothing to show for their visits to the Motor City.

Five of Chicago's seven victories have come on their own patch and while the Lions have struggled with consistency for much of the campaign, they owe their fans a Thanksgiving show after limply surrendering to a 28-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers last season.

The points line does not appear particularly high, and each team should be confident they have the ability to make a significant stride in what is proving one of the most competitive divisions this season.

Recommendation
Over 44 points
1pt 10-11 Betway, Hills

The Lowdown
Venue Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Chicago -3
Vegas points line 44.5

Team news
Chicago
The Bears are keeping a close eye on quarterback Mitchell Trubisky's shoulder injury but he was rated doubtful yesterday.

Detroit
Wide receiver Marvin Jones has been struggling with a knee injury that forced him out of Sunday's win over Carolina. Running back Kerryon Johnson is rated questionable with a similar issue.

Key stat
Chicago have lost on their last five visits to Detroit.

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