Predicted Score: Bears 24, Lions 17

Detroit: Not only have the Lions abandoned their running game they've abandoned playing defense for the time being. Maybe the Eagles uniforms last week had something to do with their poor performance? I would've been distracted too. In any case, I expect a better effort against a mediocre Chicago offense who've made the switch to Griese at quarterback. As much as we like the numbers Jon Kitna and Roy Willliams are posting you wins games in this league by running the ball in the fourth quarter and the Lions can't run their way out of a paper bag. Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones are splitting carries making each a non-factor until one emerges. Continue to start Kitna and the wide receiving corps and hope the running game gets going or else Kitna and his 10-win prediction may find himself the target of D.J. Nestrick.

• Start: QB Jon Kitna, WR Roy Williams, WR Shaun McDonald
• Consider: WR Mike Furrey, WR Calvin Johnson (inj)
• Sit: RB Tatum Bell, RB Kevin Jones, TE Dan Campbell

Chicago: To know one's surprise the Bears have benched Rex Grossman (1 TD, 6 INTs) in favor of Brian Griese to help jumpstart their 30th ranked offense. A move long overdue, which could signal the end of Grossman's career in Chicago. To make matters worse, the Bears' supposed strength is getting weak. DT Tommie Harris (knee), LB Lance Briggs (groin) and CB Nathan Vasher (groin) left last week's game against Dallas with injuries. Fortunately, what's left of the Bears defense is better than anything or anybody the Lions can post on "the other side of the ball." After giving up five straight touchdowns to the Eagles last week, there's no truth to the rumor that Rod Marinelli was scouring local colleges for secondary help this week. Griese isn't the savior but should be enough to "manage" the Bears to a 5th straight victory over the Lions.

• Start: RB Cedric Benson, WR Bernard Berrian, TE Desmond Clark, Bears D/ST
• Consider: K Robbie Gould
• Sit: QB Brian Griese, WR Muhsin Muhammad, TE Greg Olsen, WR Devin Hester