Kaufman
Offense: Receiver Anthony Miller
Miller has just seven catches in his last two games, but two have gone for touchdowns. The Memphis product has been one of the most efficient receivers in the league—nearly 20 percent of his receptions have resulted in scores this season. The rookie receiver will be critical on Thursday as the Bears look to capture their third straight win over a divisional opponent. The early Thanksgiving Day game parlayed with the Bears’ Sunday night game against the Vikings means a tight turnaround. Miller lined up for 42 snaps on Sunday, but he had the fewest reps of any of Chicago’s main receivers, so his legs may be a little fresher come Thursday.
Miller will have the advantage this time of being able to study tape from just two weeks ago on how the Lions defended him, but Detroit may try to switch things up after he caught five balls for 122 yards and a touchdown against them two Sundays ago. The Lions gave up 357 receiving yards in their most recent contest but escaped with a win over the Panthers. If they allow as many to Miller and the Bears offense, they shouldn’t count on another victory.
Defense: Safety Eddie Jackson
Take a look at Jackson’s stats from the last two years, and you might be fooled into thinking he’s an offensive weapon with modest numbers. In fact, he’s a safety who just has a nose for the ball and the end zone. Jackson has four defensive touchdowns in the past two seasons, the most in the NFL since the start of the 2017 season.
Jackson did it again this past Sunday, picking off Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and taking it 27 yards the other way for the score. Jackson tallied six tackles and a pass deflection when the Bears and Lions met two weeks ago. He’ll try to limit Stafford, who threw for 220 yards in a win over the Panthers on Sunday. Stafford may have a little more confidence coming off the victory, but his two interceptions and six sacks the week before in Chicago can’t be buried too deep in his memory.
If the Bears pass rushers can put continued pressure on Stafford as they did two weeks ago, it will give Jackson plenty of opportunities to swoop in for another interception to add to his collection this week.
