Since the Lions opened the season at Chicago, the teams have gone different ways. The Lions are 2-9, while the Bears have won four straight and are 8-3. Here are five things the Lions must do to have a chance of beating the Bears.

1. Run the ball. Jahvid Best practiced for three straight days this week which is an indication his turf toe is improving. That’s a good sign. If the Lions ever needed to run it’s this week.

2. The offensive line must protect Drew Stanton and give him plenty of time to get ride of the ball. It’s Stanton’s first start this season and just the second of his career. Naturally he needs a bit more time in the pocket. Also, if he goes down Zac Robinson goes in. Robinson can’t possibly know much about the offense since he joined the team on Nov. 9.

3. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson.

4. Rush Bears quarterback Jay Cutler early and often. The Lions will be without defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, but Lawrence Jackson has proven he’s a good pass rusher along with Cliff Avril.

5. Cornerback Alphonso Smith and the secondary must bounce back from the game in which Tom Brady gave thanks he was facing them.

Prediction: Chicago 35, Detroit 10 (Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)