Lions-Bears Key Matchup: Penei Sewell vs. Montez Sweat

On Sunday, the Lions will pay a visit to the Windy City, for the final game of their season series with the Bears.

Detroit last squared off with Chicago just three weeks ago, when it eked out a 31-26 victory at Ford Field.

In that contest, Jared Goff was under constant duress, and played one of his worst games as a member of the Lions.

The veteran signal-caller threw three interceptions, and failed to put Detroit in position to succeed for most of the game.

Subsequently, the Lions trailed the Bears, 26-14, with under 4:00 to play, and faced improbable odds at the time – a measly 1.2 percent chance – to capture the Week 11 victory.

Luckily for Detroit, though, Goff had some late-game heroics in him, and led the Lions on two touchdown drives in the final minutes to pull off the miraculous, comeback win.

Fast-forward to Detroit's Week 14 tilt at Soldier Field, in which the onus will be on the Lions to do a much better job of protecting their franchise passer. And, key to that effort will be right tackle Penei Sewell.

In 842 offensive snaps, including 481 pass-blocking snaps, this season, Sewell has allowed just one sack – came a week ago against the Saints – and four total quarterback hits.

And, for his efforts, the third-year pro has earned a 90.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. That mark presently ranks as the best overall grade among all qualified NFL offensive tackles.

He'll have his work cut out for him Sunday, going up against Chicago EDGE Montez Sweat.

Bold Prediction: Amon-Ra St. Brown Scores Three Touchdowns

Sweat, a trade deadline acquisition of the Bears, has surely made his presence known since joining the Chicago-based NFL franchise. In just four games, the 27-year-old has logged 2.5 sacks – one of which came in Week 11 against Goff – and six quarterback hits.

In time split between the Commanders and Bears this season (12 games), the 6-foot-6, 262-pounder has totaled nine sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits. According to PFF, he's also registered 45 total pressures.

There's no denying the fact that he's made an immense impact on Chicago's defense. Since his arrival, the Bears have allowed nearly 65 less passing yards per game, and have also created more takeaways (seven interceptions).

In case you were wondering, Chicago had amassed just six interceptions through its first eight games of the season.

On Sunday, I wouldn't be surprised to see Sweat, with how well that he's playing, record a sack of Goff. Yet, I believe that Sewell, who's on the verge of being an All-Pro selection for the first time, has the upper-hand in his matchup with the star pass-rusher.

And ultimately, he'll help keep Goff clean for the majority of the game, and aid Detroit in securing the Week 14 road win.