Bears vs Broncos Odds - Motivated Cutler will stick it to Denver
The Bears vs Broncos odds need little introduction. Together, the two teams made the most headlines in NFL betting this offseason thanks to the hiring of Josh McDaniels in Denver and subsequent trading of Jay Cutler. How will the Denver faithful react to seeing their former franchise quarterback in a Bears uniform?
Bears vs Broncos Odds: Broncos -2.5
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, August 30, 8:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: INVESCO FIELD at Mile High in Denver, CO
- PICK: Bears +2.5
Bears vs Broncos odds maker breakdown: Offense To say the least, the Broncos offense is a bit scattered right now. Stud wideout Brandon Marshall simply doesn’t want to play for Denver anymore and hasn’t even learned the playbook. Kyle Orton has looked shaky as the starting quarterback, throwing four interceptions and one touchdown in two preseason games. Chris Simms is starting to breathe down his neck. After struggling in their preseason opener, the Bears quieted sportsbook detractors with a solid second game. Cutler had all his weapons in the lineup, including the versatile Matt Forte at tailback, and looked much more comfortable. We also know he has an ego, so he’d probably like nothing more than to torch the Bronco defense in front of Josh McDaniels, the man who supposedly didn’t want him as his starting pivot. Betting Edge: Bears
Bears vs Broncos odds maker breakdown: Defense Obviously, neither team will play its starters for the entire game, but you know the Broncos are in trouble when their first-team defense is on par with many other second-team units around the league. The pass defense has been surprisingly decent but that was against Seattle and San Francisco. The Bears’ vaunted passing game will be a much tougher test. Chicago’s “D” is also deep; to put things in perspective, Hunter Hillenmeyer, a seven-year veteran, doesn’t have a starting job anymore. He can lead a backup defensive unit that will pressure Orton. Betting Edge: Bears
Bears vs Broncos odds maker breakdown: Special Teams Guess who’s back in the return game Sunday night? Mr. Devin Hester, what’s who. He’ll return punts for the first time all preseason and is a threat to score every time he gets the ball. Since the Broncos’ offense should stall plenty of times, Hester will likely get several return opportunities. That alone makes gives the special teams betting edge to Chicago. Betting Edge: Bears
Bears vs Broncos odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The Bears don’t have a boatload of serious injuries, though cornerback Charles Tillman hasn’t resumed practicing yet. Overall, the Bears have yet another advantage in end. Marshall may not play since he’s disconnected from the team; prized rookie back Knowshon Moreno is out with a sprained knee. That’s two important pieces of Denver’s offense missing. Betting Edge: Bears
Bears vs Broncos betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick Even on the road, the Bears’ prospects look good for Sunday night. Cutler has plenty to prove and the rest of the Bears will want to help him make a statement. Bet on the Bears to beat the banged-up Broncos. STAN’S PICK: Bears +2.5
For more sports betting news and tips, bookmark the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Bears vs Broncos matchup, check out our stats section. 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?
