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Lions vs. Bears: Random Stats

A look back at the history between the Lions and Bears.

Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

Hey Detroit Lions fans, it’s that time of year. It’s time to pack up and head over to a city that I had a heat stroke in, got strep throat on my honeymoon in and spent $5 on a McDouble in. That’s right guys, I’m talking about Chicago. The Lions will face off against the Bears this Sunday.

I’ve always wondered who the Lions’ true division rival is? It can’t be the Vikings. They historically dominated the Lions. It can’t be Green Bay. The Packers have only lost to the Lions at home twice in the last 26 years.

That leaves the Bears, a team the Lions have faced 174 times in 87 years. The one team in the division that they have the best record against. They’ve won 72 times against the Bears. They’ve lost 97 times. Let’s go back in time.

The Lions and the Bears first met each other on October 22, 1930. This was the sixth game in franchise history for the Lions, and they made it a special one. The Lions would go on to win in a 7-6 shootout.

Since then, the Lions have amassed an impressive 45-40 record against the Bears at home, but this week’s game, of course, is on the road—a place where the Lions have only won 27 times in 87 years. Yay!

Don’t be upset, though. The Lions have won three of their last four visits to Soldier Field. Even better, the Lions have won seven of the last eight meetings with the Bears. That’s something to be excited about.

Since it’s 1 a.m. right now, let’s go to the social media stuff!

Here’s the question I was expecting the most, so obviously I’m going to answer this one first. The Lions are 5-7 against the Bears when there is a rookie quarterback under center in Chicago. The Lions haven’t played a rookie quarterback in Chicago since Kyle Orton in 2005. The Bears swept the Lions that year.

I would have to say a bear would easily defeat 10 foxes, unless those foxes have the first name of John. Then it’s a toss up.

As far as Matthew Stafford against the Bears: He’s gone 335-534 for 3,695 yards, 22 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. That’s a completion percentage of 62.7 percent and a passer rating of 83.7.

Against the Lions, Jay Cutler is 280-447 for 3,267 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That’s a completion percentage of 62.6 percent and a passer rating of 89.4.

There are two Lions at the Brookfield Zoo per the zoo’s Facebook page: Isis and Zenda. As for the bears in the Detroit Zoo, there are three: Mike, Thor and Boo. The zoo did have other bears, but they were sent to Colorado in September.