Chicago Bears may get big break against Detroit Lions

In the first of three straight divisional matchups, the Chicago Bears begin with the Detroit Lions. In Week 10, the Bears may get a huge break, too.

The first half of the season was just a warmup. Now, things get serious for the Chicago Bears. Luckily, the Bears are in good position at 5-3 and atop the NFC North. But, the next few weeks will be incredibly telling about whether or not this team is ready for the big show.

Week 10 features the first of three divisional matchups in a row for the Bears, as they welcome the Detroit Lions to Soldier Field. Interestingly enough, both of these teams are headed in opposite directions, and for more than one reason.

Of course, the Lions are sitting at the bottom of the NFC North at 3-5, while the Bears are looking down on their three divisional foes. But, both of these teams are also differing greatly in the health department.

The Bears, on one hand, are set to get back two major pieces. Both outside linebacker Khalil Mack and wide receiver Allen Robinson should suit up on Sunday against Detroit.

Obviously, we saw what a difference Mack made on the entire team through his first few games on the field for the Bears. With Robinson, the offense just gets another boost among a group that continues to mix it up.

The Lions, on the other hand, might not be so lucky on Sunday. Currently, they could be without two important starters: Guard T.J. Lang and defensive back Darius Slay could be out for this one.

If neither are able to go against the Bears, two players will become much more of a problem for Detroit. First of all, if Lang can’t go, the Lions are going to have their hands (even more) full with Eddie Goldman, who has been one of the best run-stuffers in all of football this year.

If Slay can’t go, then the Lions have to watch out for the big play ability of both Anthony Miller and, especially, Taylor Gabriel. Slay leads the Lions with a pair of interceptions and four pass breakups on the season. He’s also been the most sure-fire tackler in that secondary.

Back to Lang, though, for a minute. The Lions surrendered a whopping 10 sacks last week against the Minnesota Vikings. If their best offensive lineman is out, imagine what a defensive featuring the likes of Mack, Goldman, Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith is going to do.

This one could be very, very ugly for the Lions. Heck, it might be ugly either way. But, without Lang, Lions fans may want to look away.