The Chicago Bears defeated the Detroit Lions, 13-7, on Monday Night Football to improve to 5-1 and take over first place in the NFC North.
Chicago got on the board early with a touchdown on its first offensive possession. Jay Cutler was sharp on the drive and found Brandon Marshall for a 7-yard touchdown pass. From then on, it was more about the Bears defense than their offense. Chicago harassed Matthew Stafford all night, while forcing four Detroit turnovers.
After struggling to even pick up a first down during the first half, Detroit had some success in the second half, but was unable to capitalize. Then the Lions drove into the Bears redzone four times in the second half, but the Bears defense forced a turnover on three of the four possessions.
The Chicago defense also did an excellent job of shutting down Calvin Johnson. Johnson did not have a catch in the first half and finished with just three catches for 34 yards.
While the Bears got the win and moved into first place in the NFC North, there may be some concern over the health of Cutler. He took a big hit from Ndamukong Suh in the first half and missed some time as he was evaluated for a rib injury. He returned to play the second half, but appeared to be in pain at times and was not as sharp.
Detroit narrowly avoided the shutout, scoring a touchdown with 30 seconds to play.
Fantasy studs and duds
Matt Forte ran for 96 yards. Brandon Marshall caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. The Bears' defense also racked up fantasy points with four turnovers and two sacks while also allowing just seven points.
Calvin Johnson was unable to get much going, catching three passes for 34 yards.
Injury report
Jay Cutler left the game briefly with a rib injury but returned to play the entire second half. Nate Burleson suffered a knee injury during the second half and did not return to the game.
Did they cover?
The Bears opened as a 6½-point favorite and appeared to be in position to cover, but the late Lions touchdown meant Chicago failed to cover.
What's next?
10/28 1 p.m. ET: Lions vs. Seahawks
10/28 1 p.m. ET: Bears vs. Panthers
