Bears vs Packers Odds - Packers to ride preseason momentum past Bears

While the Bears vs Packers odds matchup means nothing, it gives us an indication of where the teams are as the season starts. The Green Bay Packers are a confident group all the way around as they head into Week 1, but as for Chicago, online betting fans know that they are still feeling their way out with new quarterback Jay Cutler.

Bears vs Packers odds: Packers -3.5

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 13th – 8:15 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI
  
• PICK: Packers -3.5

Bears vs Packers odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
It’s time for the Jay Cutler era to officially begin for the Bears as he leads his team into Chicago. With a Pro Bowl quarterback leading the way, the Bears are revitalized and once again have Super Bowl aspirations.

Both the Bears and Packers will be battling it out all season long in the NFC North and it starts on Sunday Night Football. The Packers were on fire in the preseason, and their fan base wants to see if it carries over to the regular season.

Bears vs Packers odds maker breakdown: Offense
There is no question that the Bears offense has markedly improved with Cutler at the helm, but they are still finding their roles. The quarterback and running back positions are locked down but the receivers are still trying to get used to their rocket-armed quarterback. The focus will be on Cutler in Week 1 and he has to make sure he’s not trying to overcompensate on the road.

The Packers may have one of the best offenses in the NFL. Through three preseason games, quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a passer rating of 151.1, which was the best through exhibition. The running game looks very healthy in the hands of Ryan Grant while the passing game is obviously very fluid. Rodgers has a wealth of targets, from premier wideout Greg Jennings to veteran Donald Driver to up-and-coming tight end JerMichael Finley.

Betting Edge: Packers

Bears vs Packers odds maker breakdown: Defense
The defensive edge goes to the Bears. They have been a stalwart in this division for many years and that shouldn’t change very much this year. They may not have the youngest unit around but look for them to be refreshed now that they are playing with a quarterback – and offense – that helps them instead of puts them in bad positions.

The Packers defense is switching to a 3-4 and normally it takes about a year or so to transition, but all signs point to them being ahead of schedule. There is no question that they still have plenty of work to do, but the Packers have found the pieces and now it’s just a matter of time until they get better. In comparison to last year’s porous unit, this defense is already a slight improvement.

Betting Edge: Bears

Bears vs Packers odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Devin Hester gives the Chicago Bears the edge on special teams, although we’ll have to keep an eye on how much the Bears use him as a returner. NFL betting cappers know that the Bears don’t want to wear Hester out but they do want to get the boost he provides as a dangerous return man.

Betting Edge: Bears

Bears vs Packers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Keep an eye on Bears’ starting cornerback Charles Tillman, who has been out since June with a back problem. He is expected to start practicing soon and may play. The Bears need him because the Packers are very deep at wide receiver.

For the Packers, they probably won’t see a 100% healthy Nick Barnett on the field in Week 1. He’s still recovering from a knee injury but the Packers have plenty of depth to overcome his loss.

Betting Edge: Packers

Bears vs Packers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
On opening night at home, the Packers are going to light up the scoreboard. Depending on how their defense plays, the Bears might also do the same. The Packers are very confident right now and with home field advantage in tow, look for them to win handily and cover the small spread. Over the total might be a good play in the sportsbook as well.

STAN’S PICK: Packers -3.5

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Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.