Lions vs Bears Odds - Cutler will end Detroit's fairy tale
The Lions versus Bears odds are cause for excitement among Detroit fans. After snapping their epic losing streak and beating the Redskins last week, the Lions are suddenly thinking, “Hey, if we beat the Bears, we’re tied with them in the NFC North.” Not so fast. Before we get carried away at the sportsbook, remember that the Bears can actually score.
Lions vs Bears Odds: Bears -10 (Total: 39)
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, October 4, 1:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Soldier Field in Chicago, IL
- KEY STAT: Lions allow 278.7 passing yards per game (30th in NFL)
- PICK: Bears -10
Lions vs Bears odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
We’ll find out if the Lions’ Week 3 win was the start of something big or if it will simply go down as one bright spot in an otherwise tumultuous season. For the Bears, this is a must-win game if they want to be taken seriously as Super Bowl contenders in NFL betting.
Lions vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bears are warmin’ up. It’s taking Jay Cutler a bit of time, but he’s starting to find a comfort zone with his receivers. Devin Hester, who is showing surprisingly decent hands to match his speed, is the clear No. 1, while Cutler alternates between Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox week to week, playing the hot hand. Matt Forte has to be better; thought to be a rock-solid back, a lock for the Pro Bowl, he hasn’t topped 66 rushing yards in a game this season. You have to wonder if he’s hiding an injury. Detroit’s offense was on the rise after Kevin Smith exceeded 100 yards last week but should regress since he’ll likely sit with a shoulder injury this week. Then again, the Bears’ secondary is still beatable deep, so Matt Stafford could hook up with Calvin Johnson for a deep score. In the end, the Bears still have the clear offensive advantage. Betting Edge: Bears
Lions vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Defense
Adewale Ogunleye should be busy Sunday afternoon; the Bears are tied for second in the NFL in sacks with nine and they’ll make a point of pressuring young Stafford as much as possible. If Smith sits, the Lions don’t have a strong backup option at halfback. That means the Bears can key on the passing game, fluster Stafford, and probably force a handful of turnovers. The Lions held Brett Favre under 160 passing yards in Week 2, but Drew Brees torched them for six scores in Week 1 and Jason Campbell of all people tallied 340 yards through the air last week in Detroit. The Lions’ run defense hasn’t been atrocious – it held Adrian Peterson under 100 yards in Week 2, for what that’s worth – but that won’t matter. The Bears are doing fine without much help from Matt Forte, so Cutler can shoulder the load again. Betting Edge: Bears
Lions vs Bears odds for total: 39
Since the Lions struggle with elite quarterbacks and since Forte is overdue for a breakout, the Bears have an excellent chance to top 30 points this week. The Lions will play catch-up and, while Stafford should cough up the rock a few times, he’ll beat the Chicago secondary once or twice. That means this game should go over the total pretty easily. Pick: Over 39
Lions vs Bears odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Kevin Smith’s loss hurts the Lions and puts extra pressure on the passing game. The Bears miss Brian Urlacher but, then again, they won’t need him as much with Smith out for Detroit. Since the Lions’ injury affects the game more, the Bears get the online sports betting edge. Betting Edge: Bears
Lions vs Bears betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Last week was a nice story for the Lions, and there’s a good chance Detroit will win a few more games this season. However, Week 4 will be a rude awakening. Heading into Chicago against Jay Cutler is a much different story than hosting Jason Campbell. The Bears will put points on the board – enough to cover the spread. STAN’S PICK: Bears -10
For more sports betting analysis on other NFL games besides the Lions vs Bears odds, keep reading the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.
