You've stumbled into (Too) Bold Predictions, a weekly column that is exactly what it sounds like! Here, we'll take nuanced, well-researched information and use it to make wildly improbable predictions. Analysis!
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1. Tarik Cohen has a 50+ yard TD run.
The Lions added Damon “Snacks” Harrison to a defense that had allowed four running plays of 40 or more yards...then allowed a 70-yard run by Dalvin Cook last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Harrison should help bottle up Jordan Howard, but Detroit’s defense is still susceptible to big running gains, especially to the edge. Cohen will be in like to take advantage of that.
2. Akiem Hicks has three TFLs and two sacks.
The Lions will be without left guard TJ Lang, and running back Kerryon Johnson is dealing with an ankle issue that limited him in practice this week. That, plus the return of Khalil Mack against an offense that got its quarterback sacked 10 times last week, lines up Hicks for a monster game on Sunday. And he’s more than good enough to take advantage of a matchup in his favor.
NFL
1. Allen Robinson will score the first Bears' touchdown of the day.
We'll start with the fact that the Lions' pass defense is abysmal, ranking 29th in Passing DVOA. One of best players in Detroit's secondary, Dairus Slay, won't play today due to a knee injury. All the ingredients for a big passing game are there. While Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller (!) have emerged as more reliable targets through the first half the season, the guess here is that Trubisky tries to involve Robinson early. The Bears have loved taking a few deep shots with Robinson early in games this season, so look out for that on the first couple drives.
2. The Bears' defense forces Matt Stafford into his 2nd four-interception game of the season
I don't feel great about this one, admittedly, but it's called (Too) Bold for a reason. Since his disasterous game against the Jets in Week 1, Stafford's only thrown two interceptions. The Bears come into Sunday's matchup as a turnover machine, ranking 2nd in interceptions (14), having registered at least one INT in all but one game (10/28 vs. Jets) this season. Khalil Mack's return energizes a defensive unit that was already playing pretty well, and the Bears pick Stafford off four times today.