Coming off a disappointing home loss, the Chicago Bears Week 12 matchup is the ultimate get-right game as they face the Detroit Lions. As rumors swirl around the future of head coach Matt Nagy, Chicago will be without rookie Justin Fields for the Bears-Lions Thanksgiving Day matchup, putting Andy Dalton back in the spotlight.
The Bears have gotten in their own way for the majority of the season, proving that winning their next game against the winless Lions is not a given.
For more insight on the Bears' Week 12 matchup against the Lions on Thanksgiving, listen below:
Without Fields, this team is going to be put on a national stage to show how much they do/don’t care about this season.
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Bears Week 12 Predictions
4. Andy Dalton is a turnover machine
Fields was not given the keys to the offense right out of the gate this year, as Dalton was allowed to lead this team to start. But as Fields has assimilated himself more into the offense, this team has shown flashes of potential.
With Dalton re-assuming the starting QB role, the Bears will need to change their offense, which will expose their downfalls. Expecting Dalton to put up big numbers is unlikely, but what is likely is for him to be responsible for 3+ turnovers himself, either through interceptions or fumbles.
3. David Montgomery returns to fantasy glory
Having missed most of October with an injury, David Montgomery has slid right back into the lineup and has not skipped a beat in terms of workload. With both Damien Williams and rookie Khalil Herbert back to their bench-riding days, Montgomery is in line for another strong outing Thursday.
As is expected, the Lions boast one of the league’s worst defenses, as they have allowed the second-most rushing yards and most attempts by opponents. With Dalton taking back the reins, Montgomery will likely see a healthy 25-plus touch load against a defense that will not be able to stop him.
150+ total yards and 20+ fantasy points are in the cards for Montgomery to start off the week.
2. Darnell Mooney sets career marks
As he was able to prove last week, Darnell Mooney does not require consistent play from his QB to shine, as he put up over 100 yards and a score on a heavy target share, but with few receptions. With Allen Robinson still fighting injury concerns, Mooney has a juicy matchup to take advantage of, with Dalton hopefully establishing a solid connection with him early on.
Another 100-yard affair for Mooney is certainly in the cards, which would be the third of his career, but let’s go more than that – expect 150 receiving yards and a rushing score for the Tulane product on Thursday.
Just keep an eye on his practice status on a short week – he has been a regular entrant in the ‘Limited’ category all year due to a nagging foot injury (and that remains the case for Week 12), but with no solidified concerns he won’t play at this point, expect big things for the second-year pro.
1. Chicago defense keeps all Lions in check – except D’Andre Swift
Regardless of if Jared Goff returns from injury or Tim Boyle makes his second consecutive start, the offense for the Lions is not a very sound unit, as they lack the established playmakers to help them move the ball.
Except for running back D’Andre Swift.
After having rushed for over 100 yards in his second consecutive game, Swift has fully ascended into the bell-cow role for the Lions, even as Jamaal Williams has returned from injury.
Swift will have his way yet again on Thursday, posting a game with 20-plus touches and 150-plus total yards, with two scores coming via the ground.
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