Sunday open thread: How many points will the Detroit Lions score vs. the Chicago Bears?

It’s only been a just over a week since the Detroit Lions traded away Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles, but it seems like their offense may be in the midst of an identity crisis. Last week against the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions allowed 10 sacks (the most during the Matthew Stafford era), averaged just 3.0 yards per play (their lowest output in eight years), and broke their streak of 25 straight games with at least 14 points scored.

Of course, a ton of credit goes to the Minnesota Vikings and their stout defense, but the road ahead for Detroit looks rough, and it starts Sunday.

The Chicago Bears have one of the best defenses in the league, and you could easily make the case they are the best. They’re fourth in yards per play allowed, fourth in points allowed and first in Football Outsiders’ DVOA.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

How many points will the Detroit Lions score against the Bears?

My answer: Well, if you read my On Paper preview, you know I predicted the Lions to score just 10 points, but I’ll explain why.

First off, T.J. Lang is out, which means on right side of the ball, it’ll be Kenny Wiggins at guard, lined up opposite Akiem Hicks. Hicks is one of the best run stuffers in the league, and he, alone, could be responsible for making the Lions offense one-dimensional on Sunday.

And if there’s a team whose defense is particularly dangerous against a one-dimensional offense, it may be the Bears. Their roster is loaded with pass rushers like Leonard Floyd, rookie Roquan Smith and, yes, Khalil Mack.

I don’t expect the Lions to allow 10 sacks again on Sunday, but it certainly wouldn’t surprise me to see the Bears hit half that number.

Your turn.