Best bets: Picking Bears-Lions, total, survivor picks and more

The Bears are now 2-6 against the spread this year, after being 10-4 a year ago.

Obviously much has changed, but that memo seems to have only hit one of our pickers. Jeff continues to play the optimist and pick the Bears to cover and they just keep letting him down.

Both Sam and Jeff wrongly chose the over, which nearly hit (not really).

In the survivor pool, then there were three. Only three are left without a strike as we move into week 10. Nine people picked up a strike last week, four were eliminated and four people picked up their first strike.

Green Bay was the culprit for four people, while the Jets bit 43 Yard Attempt.

In the pick ‘em league, our fearless leader Lester won the week with 11 points and with that moved himself into second place overall behind WhiteH2O. Jeff is down in 11th place, while Sam lurks in sixth place.

Now the Bears return home against a Lions team that’s also struggled, coming in as losers of four of their past five games.

Will this be the week the Bears beat the number?

Chicago Bears (-2.5) vs. Detroit Lions (O/U) 42.5

Sunday, Noon, CBS

Sam: Many seem surprised that the Bears are still favored in this game, given that they’ve lost four in a row.

However, I think this is a good spot for the Bears. This is the second straight road game for the Lions and that’s a tough spot for any NFL team. The Lions offense is one dimensional, which should give the Bears a bit of an edge.

Since coming to the Bears, coach Matt Nagy has had his team ready to go against divisional opponents, he’s 7-1 ATS in those contests and 6-2 outright.

I know it seems crazy, and lately I’ve been one to go against the beloved, but I’m laying the 2.5 and taking Chicago.

For the over/under I am riding the under. This seems like a spot for an over, but I think I just have to ride with the trends and there’s only been three overs this season.

For my survivor pick, I am rolling with the Saints at home against the Falcons. I’ve already burned the Colts or I’d take them, but they’re also likely starting Brian Hoyer.

Jeff: I was impressed with the Lions against the Chiefs and they absolutely got screwed in the Packers game. Yeah, they’ve lost some games in typical Lions fashion but they’re better than their record. Given all the offensive struggles, I’m a bit surprised the Bears are getting points here. I don’t like betting against the Bears and I’d never do it in real life, but for purposes of this column, I’m taking the Lions +2.5. I’m back on the under this week as the Bears defense looked good - if a little sloppy - last week and the Lions are somewhat one dimensional right now. This sets up to be another game played in the teens.

As far as survivor, I’m stuck between the Colts and the Saints. The Colts might be missing Jacoby Brissett and they’re playing the undefeated-in-November Dolphins. I’ve been saving the dang Colts for this week but I’m worried about the Colts injuries. The Saints look like the slam dunk, coming off the bye, playing the broken Falcons. It’s a game-time decision for me between those two this week.

Who ya got this week?