The Detroit Lions are off to a strong start in their quest to end a three-decade drought without a division title.

Detroit (7-2) has its best record through nine games since 2014, giving the revitalized franchise a two-game lead over Minnesota in the NFC North.

The Lions still have a lot of work to do against divisional foes to finish in first place. They've played only one NFC North team two-plus months into the season, winning at Green Bay.

Detroit will face five of eight teams within the division to close the regular season, starting with the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Ford Field.

The Bears (3-7) are coming off a win against Carolina that matched their total number of victories from last season, but the bar was low with just three wins and a franchise-record and league-high 14 losses.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields is expected to come back after missing the past four games with a dislocated right thumb.

The Bears are making some adjustments to their offensive line.

With right guard Nate Davis returning after missing the past four games with an ankle injury, Teven Jenkins is moving back to his starting spot at left guard. Lucas Patrick remains at center. Cody Whitehair, who has started 117 games over eight seasons in Chicago, has been benched.

Game time is noon Sunday.