Eagles vs Bears Betting Odds - Bears desperate, but Eagles "D" a horrible matchup for Cutler
Eagles vs Bears odds give us another tough sports betting decision in Week 11. Philadelphia and Chicago were both considered Super Bowl contenders at the start of the year. While they’ve flashed brilliance here and there, they’ve frustrated just as often. Will either team step up this week?
| Eagles vs Bears betting Odds: Eagles -3 (Total: 45) |
| WHAT: NFL betting |
| WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 8:20 p.m. ET |
| WHERE: Soldier Field in Chicago, IL |
| KEY STAT: Eagles rank third in the NFL with 15 interceptions this season; Jay Cutler has thrown a league-worst 17 interceptions this season |
| PICK: Eagles -3 |
Eagles vs Bears betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Each team faces major pressure this week, but the Bears in particular are on the hot seat. At 4-5, they’re just one or two losses away from falling out of the playoff race. Now they’re playing a second straight nationally televised game and they’re at home. The Eagles need a win too but they’ve battled through worse situations than this one.
Eagles vs Bears betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
On paper, both teams have plenty of weapons offensively, but the Bears’ weapons aren’t executing. Jay Cutler has thrown an NFL-worst 17 interceptions this season, largely because of his ego. He’s so overconfident in his arm that he forces throws into traffic, thinking he can thread the needle, only to get picked off. That he still topped 300 yards despite his five interceptions last week shows how effective he can be, but the five picks also show how often he gives games away because of bad decisions. The Bears’ line hasn’t opened up holes for Matt Forte all year and the Chicago ranks 30th in the NFL in rushing as a result.
Even in losing NFL betting efforts, the Eagles are consistently dangerous on offense. Their pass-happy attack, featuring big-play machine DeSean Jackson and emerging tight end Brent Celek, matches up well against Chicago’s sometimes-suspect secondary. LeSean McCoy hasn’t yet proven he’s ready to be a No. 1 running back in Brian Westbrook’s absence but still has plenty of time to do so.
Betting Edge: Eagles
Eagles vs Bears betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Monsters of the Midway show up some weeks and disappear other weeks. Looking closer, the Bears looked good against weak offenses like Detroit’s, Cleveland’s and San Francisco’s. More potent attacks – like Arizona’s and Cincinnati’s – lit the Bears up. Missing Brian Urlacher and still susceptible to the odd big play, the Bears “D” don’t give Donovan McNabb a significantly scary matchup.
The Eagles’ usually solid defense eluded them against the Chargers last week but we’ll give them a mulligan since the Chargers are just hot right now. They’re not as dominant as they were under the late Jim Johnson last year but they’re still a top-10 defense. More importantly, they make their living pressuring the quarterback (second in the NFL with 29 sacks) and forcing turnovers (third in the NFL with 15 interceptions). That makes the Eagles quite a scary matchup for Jay Cutler.
Betting Edge: Eagles
Eagles vs Bears betting odds for total: 45
We’re sure to see some game-breaking plays in this one, primarily from the Eagles, as a long DeSean Jackson score seems right in this matchup and a pick-six against Cutler is always a possibility. If the Bears fall behind, Cutler will come out firing and, even if he turns over the ball a few times, he’ll make some plays too. It’s worth noting that Philly lost Ellis Hobbs for the season and may be missing Sheldon Brown in the secondary this week too, so there’s definitely a chink in the armor. Bet over 45 points.
Pick: Over 45
Eagles vs Bears betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Eagles have lost Brian Westbrook to a second concussion this season and may not see him again in 2009 and possibly ever. Young McCoy is still capable enough to fill the void, so Westbrook’s absence will hurt just a little instead of a lot. Losing Brown and Hobbs from the secondary definitely hurts Philly’s pass defense and offensive tackle Jason Peters is no sure bet to play either. The Bears lost Urlacher long ago but have been decent against the run anyway. Orlando Pace may not play but it’s not like Chicago’s O-line was playing great with him in the lineup.
Betting Edge: Bears
Eagles vs Bears betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is undoubtedly a tricky game to handicap in online betting as the Bears should play with as much emotion as they have all season. However, they haven’t shown they can stop elite passing offenses and the Eagles qualify as one. Philly’s swarming defense also poses the worst type of matchup for the aggressive, mistake-prone Cutler. Pick the Eagles to win what should be an eventful and high-scoring game.
STAN’S PICK: Eagles -3
The betonline.com sportsbook will update the Eagles vs Bears odds throughout the week.
