Bears-Lions Preview

The inactives are in, and it doesn't look good. The entire opening day secondary will be out today, as SS Adam Archuleta and CBs Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher will all sit. LB Lance Briggs is also out. DT Tommie Harris is apparently active, but it's not known how much he will play, if any. The Bears get a break with Lions WR Calvin Johnson also being inactive, but the kids in the secondary (Kevin Payne, Corey Graham, Trumaine McBride) will definitely have their hands full today. Chicago's front seven must get consistent pressure on Lions QB Jon Kitna, or this could get ugly in a hurry. On offense, expect more even ball distribution from new starting QB Brian Griese. Rex Grossman had his radar locked onto Bernard Berrian, but now Muhsin Muhammad and TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen should get more looks. Cedric Benson must come up big and hold on to the football, because the Bears have to control the clock and keep the high-flying Lions off the field. This is a virtual must-win game for the Bears, and I think they'll pull it off, but not by much.

Bears 27, Lions 24