Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions are hoping to wrap up the season on a high note this Sunday. (Getty)
Let’s own up to this from the get-go. This game does not mean much in terms of divisional standings, playoff standings or anything other than pride.
That also doesn’t mean that this Week 17 matchup between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears should be ignored.
Both of these teams are coming off strong victories last Sunday and a win in the final game of the year could be huge as far as offseason confidence and rebuilding goes. So, yeah, there’s not much going on here except a battle for gridiron pride. But, if we’re being honest, sometimes gridiron pride is more than enough.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday afternoon’s NFC North tilt, including the breakdown of the early-week odds, per OddsShark:
Game Info
The Detroit Lions may be in for a handful of changes this offseason, particularly when it comes to the coaching staff. (Getty)
Line: Even
Moneyline: Detroit +105, Chicago -125
Total: 45
What To Watch For
Jay Cutler’s success this season has been enough to spark interest in the Bears’ coaching staff. (Getty)
Detroit Lions fans may want to keep an eye out on Adam Gase this wekeend.
The Chicago Bears offensive coordinator – and former Lions quarterback coach – has done a fairly good job of jumpstarting the team’s production this season and is expected to be one of the bigger names in the off-season among possible head-coaching candidates. That includes a possible move to the Detroit sidelines.
Gase has been an instrumental part of improving Jay Cutler’s numbers this season as the veteran quarterback has yet to record a multi-INT game; the only QB in the entire league to post such a state.
That’s why it’s no surprise that Gase is already on the radar of several NFL teams, including the Lions. And why the Bears already have a plan in place should he make the move.
“We have backup plans in place,” Cutler said, via the Chicago Tribune. “If [Gase] does get that opportunity, I’m going to be ecstatic for him. I think it’s well-deserved. I think he’s ready for the opportunity. Whatever happens either way I think we’re going to be good and he’ll be good too.”