The Chicago Bears have made great strides this season on offense under their first-year coach, Mark Trestman. But they have clearly demonstrated that they are a work in progress on defense. On Sunday, they will get back one of their defensive stars, which they hope will make a difference as they face off against the high-octane Philadelphia Eagles in a pro football betting action that is slated to get underway at 8:30 PM Eastern time at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Going into Sunday’s action, the Bears, with a record of 8-6, had a lead of only half a game over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. If they do not come out of Philly with a win, they are really going to be rolling the dice in the season’s final week, as they face the Packers at home. That’s because the Detroit Lions are also involved with this race, and they have beaten the Bears twice this season.
In the pro football betting odds that have been posted at BetAnySports, the Eagles are favored by a field goal:
Football Betting Odds courtesy of BetAnySports American Offshore Sportsbook
Philadelphia Eagles -3
Chicago Bears +3
Over 54 points -110
Under 54 points -110
Almost nine weeks ago, Lance Briggs suffered a fracture in his shoulder, and it was not known when he would be able to get back into the lineup, if at all, this season. Well, it looks as if he is going to be back in action for the Bears on Sunday night, as he has been medically cleared by doctors. Briggs is a seven-time Pro Bowl participant, and the Bears need all the help they can get because they simply have not been able to shut down opposition rushing attacks. In fact, last week’s game against Cleveland represented the first time in a seven-game stretch in which they did not allow a 100-yard rusher.
The Chicago defense has permitted opponents to gain 5.2 yards per carry, and that does not bode well for them in this game, inasmuch as Philadelphia has the league leader in rushing, in LeSean McCoy (1343 rushing yards). But it’s not all about McCoy and the rushing attack; Nick Foles has been outstanding at quarterback, building Pro Bowl credentials with 23 touchdown passes, only two interceptions, and nine yards per attempt. This will put a lot of pressure on the Bears stop unit, and those betting the football odds should know that.
Briggs is officially listed as “questionable” in the NFL injury report, but as pro football bettors know, that generally means that a player is likely to play. However, Trestman didn’t make it sound as if Briggs was going to make a major impact on the game. “Hopefully it’ll work out where he can get some reps,” he told reporters. “How many? I don’t know.”
BetAnySports customers witnessed the return of another key Chicago player last week, as Jay Cutler came back with three TD passes against the Browns. The difference between Cutler’s absence and that of Briggs is that while the starting quarterback was absent, the position was well taken care of by veteran Josh McCown, who posted a 109.8 quarterback rating. In fact, McCown was so impressive at the helm of the Chicago offense that there were many cries from Bears fans, and, no doubt, many NFL bettors, that he should remain as the starter. That won’t be the case, as Trestman has made that very clear.
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