Chicago @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 30, 2012 ) Chicago 26, Detroit 24

The Chicago Bears can seize early control of the NFC North Division when they carry an unbeaten record into Detroit on Sunday. With a win, Chicago would have a two-game lead in the division at the quarter pole of the season. The Bears enter with loads of momentum after a 40-23 rout at Pittsburgh on Sunday night in their first road contest of the season.

Of course, the Lions have an opportunity to tighten things up in the NFC North if they can successfully follow up a 27-20 win at Washington last Sunday. They will have to press on without wide receiver Nate Burleson, who led the squad with 116 receiving yards against the Redskins before breaking his left arm in two places in a car accident Tuesday. Chicago has taken the last three meetings and nine of the last 10 overall.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, Fox. LINE: Lions -3. O/U: 47.5.

ABOUT THE BEARS (3-0): Chicago gained only 258 yards in the 17-point win over the Steelers but survived an ordinary offensive effort because of its opportunistic defense, which has become the Bears' trademark in recent years. They forced five turnovers and scored two defensive touchdowns, running their total to 12 over the last two seasons. Chicago has won six of its last eight road games dating to 2012.

ABOUT THE LIONS (2-1): Running back Reggie Bush told reporters this week that he expects to be ready to play Sunday after missing Week 3 with a sprained left knee.Without Bush in the fold, Joique Bell ran 20 times for just 63 yards for the league's 26th-ranked rushing attack, but he did haul in four catches for 69 yards. While Bush worked out Wednesday, star wide receiver Calvin Johnson has missed practice time with a knee injury, but expects to play against the Bears.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bears QB Jay Cutler is 7-1 against the Lions since joining Chicago in 2009, throwing 12 TDs and just one INT in that span.

2. Bell leads NFL RBs with 177 receiving yards.

3. Matthew Stafford has 742 passing yards in Detroit's two wins but they have come against Minnesota and Washington, which rank 29th and last in the NFL, respectively, in yards allowed.

PREDICTION: Lions 26, Bears 24