Browns Bears Betting – Chicago Defense Keeps Cleveland Quiet
Chicago’s sports betting odds for the upcoming NFL season depends a lot on their defense as their offense doesn’t put up a lot of points and they commit a lot of turnovers. The defense should be the story on Thursday night when the Bears host Cleveland in their preseason finale.
What: NFL Betting
When: Thursday, September 1st, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Pick: Chicago Bears
Why Bet On Cleveland Browns
The Browns couldn’t dig themselves out of a 24-point hole, falling 24-14 in Philadelphia and it was a tough day for Colt McCoy, who was only 9-of-18 for 89 yards and a pick. Cleveland also turned the ball over three times, but it wasn’t all bad for the Browns, who averaged 5.2 yards per carry. They’re also reportedly looking to offer running back Peyton Hillis a new contract, which would be in their best interest because as long as he is on the field, that frees things up for McCoy, who is still prone to the mistakes of a young quarterback. Defensively, the Browns had a pair of sacks and second-year cornerback Joe Haden was one of four players with four tackles.
Still, this game showed that the Browns still have some work to do if they’re going to compete with the NFL’s elite, and part of that is due to being a very young team with a first-year head coach in Pat Shurmur, who has to find a replacement for backup running back Brandon Jackson because of a toe injury. Linebackers Titus Brown and Chris Gocong are also out, which means Shurmur has to do some juggling already.
Why Bet On Chicago Bears
The Bears lost an early 10-0 lead as they were edged 14-13 in Tennessee, but they managed to rack up 148 yards on the ground and Matt Forte was especially solid, going for 74 yards and a score on 17 carries. Jay Cutler was 13-of-21 for 170 yards, but he also threw one of the Bears’ two picks on the day and we all know that Cutler can turn the ball over with the best of them. At least his interception wasn’t returned for a touchdown as Caleb Hanie’s pick was. The defense was very good, holding the Titans to 12 first downs and stopping them on eight of their 11 third-down opportunities, which is to be expected as Chicago’s defense was the main reason that the Bears went to the NFC title game last season.
Some NFL betting players are skeptical of the Bears’ chances because of Cutler’s propensity to throw interceptions, but he’s not getting much help as Chicago doesn’t have much in the way of receivers and they allowed tight end Greg Olsen to walk in the offseason. As far as injuries go, the Bears are pretty healthy heading into the final preseason game, which will allow head coach Lovie Smith to get a good feel for his roster.
How It Will Play Out
This game is rated as a pick’em according to NFL betting odds, which sounds about right because the starters aren’t going to get much work. These two have met three times in the regular season since 2001, with the Bears claiming records of 2-1 SU and ATS and two of the games went over the posted total. This game could also be a low-scoring affair as these teams aren’t all that explosive when their starters are in, so when the second and third-string players are in, don’t expect fireworks.
The edge goes to Chicago at home as Hanie is more comfortable with his team than the Browns’ backup, Seneca Wallace, and then anything can happen when the third-stringers come in. Also, the Bears have more talent from top to bottom on the defensive side of the ball, and as long as you can stop teams, you will give yourself a chance to win. It won’t be a shootout by any means, but take the Chicago Bears in your online betting book.
Browns Bears Betting Pick: Chicago Bears
