Chicago can post a decent points total in Detroit

Sky Sports Action, 9.30pm Saturday

Detroit's playoff hopes will probably be extinguished if they are unable to get past Chicago at Ford Field but the visiting Bears, who have a dismal record against their NFC North rivals, are capable of holding their own.

Winning four of their opening 13 games of the season can hardly be considered cause for celebration, but at least the Bears have already eclipsed the number of victories they posted last season.

And there looks a decent opportunity for them to finish the campaign on a high if they can build on last week's confidence-boosting 33-7 victory over Cincinnati.

Rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky continues to gain valuable NFL experience and the Bears will be encouraged that they haven't committed a turnover in their last two games.

They were beaten by a late Matt Prater field goal when they faced the Lions at Ford Field in Week 11 and should be optimistic after that performance.

Detroit still have a winning record having been successful in four of their last six games, but their defence have been struggling.

While quarterback Matthew Stafford has the ability to keep his team in a game - he overcame a hand injury to play in last week's success over Tampa Bay - he often has to dig them out of trouble.

The Chicago points line is pitched at 19.5 and they can eclipse that. Trubisky is playing with more freedom now the pressure is off and the only team to have failed to reach that mark against the Lions since Week Five were the Green Bay Packers, who were without star QB Aaron Rodgers.

Recommendation
Over 19.5 Chicago points
2pts 10-11 Betway, BoyleSports

The lowdown
Venue Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Chicago +5
Vegas points line 44

Team news
Chicago
Tight end Adam Shaheen is struggling with a chest injury. Safeties Adrian Amos and DeAndre Houston-Carson, and tackle Eddie Goldman are also questionable.

Detroit
Centre Travis Swanson is ruled out with concussion, while offensive tackle Emmett Cleary and defensive end Ziggy Ansah are questionable with ankle injuries.

Key stat
Chicago have lost eight of their last nine games against Detroit.

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