Lions Bears Betting – Detroit Heads To Windy City For NFC North Divisional Opener
Opening weekend in the National Football League is full of intriguing sports betting match ups, featuring a couple of big divisional games Sunday afternoon. While the Indianapolis Colts travel to Houston to take on the Texans in an AFC South showdown, the Detroit Lions will travel to the mid-east to battle the NFC North division rival Chicago Bears. Both of these teams struggled last season, the Bears finishing third in the division at 7-9, while the Lions continued their rebuilding process one year after going winless, registering a pair of victories to finish 2-14. Expectations are higher for both teams this season after additions were made on both sides of the ball. In a crowded NFC North that features a pair of Super Bowl contenders in the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, an opening day win will be crucial for both of these teams.
NFL Betting: Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears
Online Sports Betting Odds: Bears – 6.5
Why To Bet On The Lions?
The Lions are in year two of their rebuilding project, and head coach Jim Schwartz expects that his team will be on the rise again in 2010. Detroit improved their win total from zero to two a year ago, but should be ready to make an even bigger jump this season with around five-to-six an appropriate goal. Many would not be able to recall the last time that the Lions won a road game, but you can bet that is near the top of the list for Schwartz and his staff this year. Quarterback Matt Stafford will have a couple of new options around him in wide receiver Nate Burleson, tight end Tony Scheffler, rookie running back Jahvid Best. The defense incurred an infusion of talent as well, especially along the defensive line where they added a pair of potential Pro Bowl talents in tackle Ndamukong Suh and end Kyle Vanden Bosch, as well as tackle Corey Williams.
Why To Bet On The Bears?
The Bears went all-in to acquire their franchise quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos a year ago, so when the experiment didn’t work out the way they thought in year one it is no surprise that they made adjustments. Enter new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who has a history of creating high-scoring teams (See the greatest show on turf). Martz has worked with Cutler and his wide receivers, and it will be no surprise to see Knox, Hester, Aromashodu, and Bennett become household names this season. Defensive End Julius Peppers was added to bring some heat from the outside, and should strive in the Bears defensive scheme.
How The Games Will Play Out
Both teams made significant additions over the summer, but the Bears may have the edge early on because of their familiarity and that they are playing this one at home. The Lions haven’t won on the road in years, so it is difficult to expect them to do it here in the season opener against a division rival, especially considering that Chicago is favored to contend for a playoff spot this year.
Lions Bears Betting Pick: Bears
