Detroit Lions fans after the Lions defeated the Chicago Bears 24-13 in their NFL football game in Detroit
Detroit Lions cheer and hold up signs after the Lions defeated the Chicago Bears 24-13 in their NFL football game in Detroit, Michigan, October 10, 2011. Reuters

The resurgent Detroit Lions continued their perfect start to the season with a 24-13 home victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday to confirm their status as surprise contenders.

Jahvid Best ran rampant for 163 yards and a score, and Detroit's defense harassed Bears quarterback Jay Cutler throughout the contest as they improved to 5-0 to mark their best start since 1956.

The Lions trailed had 10-7 at halftime but seized control of the game with a decisive third quarter.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford drove the Lions downfield for an 18-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Pettigrew with 9:55 to go in the third and on Detroit's next possession, Best broke free for an 88-yard run that gave the home team a 21-10 advantage.

The Bears could not find much offense against Detroit and failed to mount a rally as they fell to 2-3, three games behind the NFC North-leading Lions and Green Bay Packers, the NFL's only two remaining undefeated teams.

Stafford finished the game with two touchdown passes, finding favorite target Calvin Johnson for a 73-yard strike and a 7-0 lead in the second quarter to give the wide receiver his NFL-leading ninth scoring reception of the season.