Chicago +7.5
Under 40.5 Points
Over 15.5 Bears Points
Justin Fields to Score a Touchdown Anytime
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 20/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Chicago Bears @ New England Patriots, Tuesday 1:16am
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
The Patriots and the Bears. Historically, they’re shining lights for the National Football League.
All they did was carry the idea that brilliance was cultural and that they, in their heyday, simply couldn’t be beaten.
Well, fast forward five years for New England and about four decades for Chicago and things don’t quite resemble those glory days anymore.
Right now, Chicago have a quarterback they felt was the future – except they surrounded him with zero talent and are shocked that they’re floundering.
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While the Patriots handed roster control to Bill – and while he might well be the best coach in the history of professional sport, one thing he definitely is not is a good judge of talent at collegiate level.
Time and time again, New England fail to draft good players. It’s almost meme territory. But they’re understand active roster management. There just comes a time when you can’t keep getting lucky with free agency acquisitions and running the ball thirty times a game to success.
I’ve no doubt in my mind that these teams will return to glory once more, but if you’re like me – a fan who has suffered at the hands of one, if not both of these franchises in the past – then sit back and enjoy this.
Chicago +7.5
This is exceptionally optimistic to suggest that New England can cover this line. They’ve no passing game to speak of, Foxboro resembles a morgue now given their laborious, tedious style of play, and the Bears, while clearly flawed, have only had one of their games this season end with more than a score between the teams.
New England will run the ball. That’s their sole identity. And while they run various concepts well enough to not make the running style predictable, not having a fully healthy Damien Harris puts a serious workload on rookie Rhamondre Stevenson.
I’d be hesitant to suggest they’ll run away with anything.
Under 40.5 Points
The Bears have only one of their games go over 42 points – and that’s generally because, in lieu of them being flashy, they try and control the time of possession.
Justin Fields is being encouraged to get through his progressions when he drops back, but it doesn’t always materialise. One thing he is getting better at though, is just finding someone with a quick dumpoff, or sliding to take a few years.
Both of these make their drives very long indeed, and given New England’s indifference to big plays through the air, I think it’s safe to say this will be a defensive battle.
Over 15.5 Bears Points
I just think there’s enough turnover potential in this game to hand Chicago a big hand in this line coming in.
Backing any team to score under sixteen points in an NFL game should be considered a crime given just how many ways there are to reach this magic number.
David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert offer a dynamic one-two punch so New England simply can’t roll out the same run defense for both because they’re totally different runners.
Justin Fields to Score a Touchdown Anytime
When it comes down to it, New England are and always have been the kings of not conceding touchdowns in red zone.
Their offensive staff understand space and how to cover it. And when you get down to short field like this, it generally ends up being a situation whereby you craft a designed keeper for Fields or maybe a rollout to get the defense moving.
Both of these have a realistic chance of ending up in a touchdown for the Ohio State product.
Bears @ Patriots Bet Builder:
Chicago +7.5
Under 40.5 Points
Over 15.5 Bears Points
Justin Fields to Score a Touchdown Anytime
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 20/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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