Giants vs Bears Odds - Quiet desperation will propel Bears to victory
Who knew the Giants vs Bears odds would be so significant for a preseason game? The Giants obviously have nothing to prove, but the Bears need to appease their fans. Not only did Jay Cutler lay an egg in the opener, the rival Vikings retooled by adding Brett Favre this week, so the Bears will want to show NFL betting fans that they’re an elite team too.
Giants vs Bears Odds: Bears -2
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 8:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Soldier Field in Chicago, IL
- PICK: Bears -2
Giants vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Offense Ironically, it’s because of the Bears’ current struggles that they should have the offensive advantage. In four relatively ineffective drives last week, Jay Cutler completed just five of 10 passes and threw an interception. After that ugly performance, he’ll have plenty to prove as he tries to develop chemistry with Earl Bennett and Devin Hester. It’s important for betting sharps to note that tight end Greg Olsen and start running back Matt Forte didn’t play in the opener; they should see a bit of action this week and open up the offensive game. The Bears should look much better. After losing rookie Andre Brown to a season-ending injury last week, the Giants may be spooked into resting their starters for most of the game – including Eli Manning. Keep an eye on huge wideout Ramses Barden, though; he could be the next Plaxico Burress. Betting Edge: Bears
Giants vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Defense No contest here. The Giants may have the deepest defense in the NFL, meaning many of their backups are still starting-caliber players. For example, former first-round pick Mathias Kiwanuka, who had 8.5 sacks last season, isn’t even a starter for 2009. That means whoever the Giants have on the field will put major pressure on Cutler or (gulp) Caleb Hanie. Betting Edge: Giants
Giants vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Special Teams The Bears arguably have a slight kicking edge with Robbie Gould over Lawrence Tynes and, while Devin Hester gives them an amazing return game throughout the regular season, I wouldn’t bet at the sportsbook on them using him that way in this week. The Giants have a deep stable of speedy receivers and backs, so they should get good return work whether it’s Ahmad Bradshaw, Sinorice Moss, Domenik Hixon or someone else doing it. Betting Edge: Giants
Giants vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The Bears are definitely banged up defensively. Starting defensive tackle Tommie Harris is recovering from March knee surgery and Charles Tillman is out with a back injury. Starting Giants corners Aaron Ross and Corey Webster missed the preseason opener and are no guarantee to play this week. That really hurts the Giants since Cutler and the Bears will press harder than normal for a preseason game. Betting Edge: Bears
Giants vs Bears Odds maker breakdown: Outlook and Pick This one all comes down to desire. While the Giants do have some important position battles at wide receiver, the Bears have far more to prove this week. Cutler needs to find a rhythm and should bring close to his “A” game. Expect a fairly physical affair and a win for the Bears as Cutler plays much better. STAN’S PICK: Bears -2
For more Giants vs Bears betting help and other sports betting info, keep reading the Betting Edge at betonline.com. 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?
