Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: betting preview, free tips, TV details

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions in Week 13 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 5.30pm Thursday

Best bet

Allen Robinson to score a touchdown
1pt 17-10 Betfair

Match preview

Detroit face a potential quarterback crisis for their Thanksgiving clash against NFC North rivals Chicago and neither team look to have much of a chance of making the playoffs.

Jeff Driskel has been filling in for Matthew Stafford for the last few weeks but he injured his hamstring in the Lions' defeat to Washington last week and they may have to rely on rookie David Blough to plug the gap.

Matt Patricia's team have lost seven of their last eight games and a points blitz looks unlikely even though both teams are in the last-chance saloon as they attempt to make ground on Green Bay and Minnesota.

With the injury concerns and the fact Chicago have averaged just 17.1 point per game this season, it is no surprise to see the total-points line below 40 for the holiday clash.

But while Chicago scraped past a pretty dismal New York Giants last week, there were encouraging signs that they might be getting their act together.

The Bears have won five of their 11 matches but quarterback Mitchell Trubisky put in his best show of the campaign as he threw 278 yards passing, which bodes well for Thursday's game against the 29th-ranked pass defence.

It is difficult to rely on either team on the handicap as Chicago have covered just once in seven games and the Lions haven't managed to in any of their last six matches.

But the poor Lions pass defence could provide a betting opening. Wide receiver Allen Robinson chalked up a touchdown and collected 131 yards in the win over the Giants and there is potential for him to score again.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Chicago -3
Vegas points line 38.5

Team news

Chicago
Right tackle Bobby Massie is out. Linebacker Danny Trevathan, tight end Adam Shaheen and receiver Taylor Gabriel are all questionable.

Detroit
Quarterback Jeff Driskel is questionable with a hamstring problem and with Matthew Stafford doubtful with a back injury, the Lions may have to rely on rookie David Blough. Safety Tracy Walker, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, centre Frank Ragnow and tight end TJ Hockenson are all questionable.

Key stat

Chicago have covered the handicap in just one of their last seven matches

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