The Sports Xchange

Chicago Bears (2-3) at Detroit Lions (0-5)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Ford Field, Detroit – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale

*Keys to the game: The Bears are pleased with the play of QB Jay Cutler. In 88 pass attempts the past two games, he had one interception, and the offense is clicking even without top receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring). RB Matt Forte isn’t seeing wide running lanes since the offensive line was juggled yet again – his longest carry the past three games went 12 yards – but the Lions are 27th in the NFL against the run at 126.6 yards allowed per game.

The inability to run the ball, not Matthew Stafford’s control, has sapped the Lions of potency. At 48.8 rushing yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry, balance isn’t a conceivable thought and Stafford is being harassed on virtually every drop back. The Bears have allowed 11 touchdown passes and are struggling to get off the field on third down (43.5 percent). If Detroit can dodge third-and-long, this could be the week the Lions awaken from a season-long slumber.

*Matchup to watch – Bears CB Tracy Porter vs. Lions WR Calvin Johnson: Porter is the preferred cover man assigned Johnson with Kyle Fuller still working his way out of coordinator Vic Fangio’s dog house, but help is required from the Bears’ rookie safeties.

*Player spotlight – Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah: Left tackle was a trouble spot for the Bears, especially without Jermon Bushrod the past two games. Ansah, tied for the NFL lead with five sacks, is strong and fast and will put Bushrod, back from shoulder and head injuries, to the test immediately.

*Fast facts: Johnson has 27 catches and five touchdowns in the past four games against the Bears. … Cutler is three TD passes shy of the franchise record (Sid Luckman, 137).

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

For the fifth straight meeting with the Bears, the Lions find the right combination of timely defensive plays and Calvin Johnson to earn their first win in 2015.

*Our pick: Lions 23-22.