MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BIG PLAY & WRITEUP

The Lions are 4-0, but it isn't because of prowess as defenders in recent weeks - Dallas' banged-up squad managed 27/113/0 rushing last week, and Minnesota blasted the defensive front with 23/132/1 rushing two weeks ago. So far this year, the Lions are 20th in the NFL averaging 113 yards rushing allowed per game, but they do get stubborn at the goal line in this phase of the game, with just one rushing score given up to date.

The Bears' rushing attack is on a roll, while the Lions' unit is just so-so in this phase of the game. Advantage, Chicago.

The Bears' vaunted defense got trashed at home by the Panthers last week (26/169/2 rushing, a 6.5 yards allowed per carry average). Green Bay had a more pedestrian 29/100/0 outing at Chicago two weeks ago, but there is no denying that Carolina blasted some gaping holes in the Chicago defense last week.

Best has struggled as a runner this year, but the Bears are rocked back on their heels entering this contest, too. I give a slight edge to Chicago based on their stinginess with TDs (only two allowed so far this year, both last week), but this isn't the dominant run D you usually associate with the words 'Chicago Bears'.

However, this week the Lions' bitter divisional rivals the Bears come calling at Ford Field. Normally that would mean a top-ranked D is coming to call - but that isn't so this year. The bend-but-don't-break Bears have been breaking left and right lately, with 29 points and 27/46 for 374 yards, one TD and one interception given up to Cam Newton and company last week, with 28/38 for 292 yards, three TDs and one interception coughed up to Green Bay two weeks ago. In fact, the Bears have averaged 301.5 net passing yards allowed per game (29th in the NFL), with seven passing TDs surrendered to date, vs. just three interceptions generated (tied for 17th in the NFL through three games) and a middlin' eight sacks to their credit. Detroit is currently fifth in the NFL with just five sacks allowed this year, by the way.

The Lions' are 4-0, and part of the reason they are is that their pass D has more interceptions (seven, tied for third in the NFL) than they do passing TDs allowed (five). The team also has posted nine sacks on the way to ranking 12th in the NFL averaging 221.2 net yards allowed per game. Last week, the Cowboys had the game in the bag until Tony Romo was victimized for three interceptions - two of them pick-sixes, one by LB Bobby Carpenter and the other by CB Chris Houston - that put Detroit back in contention on the way to a huge 34-30 comeback victory. The Lions' pass defenders are a high-pressure bunch both up front and in the secondary.

MY PREDICTION: The Detroit Lions have begun the season ultra hot however a whole lot of luck has gone there way as well fueling this run. I believe tonight that luck runs out and I can see the Chicago Bears behind a balanced offensive attack come away with the victory. Chicago's defense has looked the way it has so far due to the fact they have faced four of the best offenses in the league. While the Lions have faced some pretty poor defenses that has made them look like juggernauts. Look for Lovie to keep the Lions in check enough to give Chicago a chance to win this ball game. I'm taking the points and I will see you all in the winners circle after the game.

CHICAGO BEARS +7     BIG