Packers Bears Betting – Rodgers Trumps Cutler In The Windy City
Online betting players will be treated to a battle of, possibly, the next great quarterbacks in the league. Green Bay’s pivot is almost already there, and Chicago’s quarterback is off to a great start as these rivals meet in the Windy City for a massive Monday night encounter. The Packers’ blitzing defense will cause all kinds of problems for the Bears, leading them to a great division win.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Monday, September 27th, 8:30 PM ET
- Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Pick: Green Bay Packers -3
What’s On The Line
The Packers (2-0) turned up the heat in the second half of a 34-7 romp over Buffalo at home, taking control of the game on both sides of the ball. The Bears (2-0) upset Dallas 27-20 on the road, and it looks like Jay Cutler is getting comfortable with Mike Martz’s offense. Now, with Minnesota struggling, this game is crucial as both NFL North teams will be looking for the upper hand in the division. Plus, it’s the Bears and Packers, two of the most storied teams in professional sports, and it’s Monday Night Football….what else do you need?
Offensive Matchups: Packers Bears Betting
We all know how explosive the Green Bay offense can be, but last week was a bit of a transition game as the Packers were getting used to not having Ryan Grant in the backfield. The Packers’ ground game struggled a bit, but Aaron Rodgers picked up the slack with 255 yards, a pair of touchdowns through the air and one on the ground. Look for Rodgers and the passing game to pick it up a bit this week, and the Bears are going to have to slow down tight end Jermichael Finley, who had four catches for 103 yards last week.
Cutler may have had the best game of his career, going 21-of-29 for 277 yards and three touchdowns as he torched the Cowboys, and all three scores went to different players. The offensive line still has to improve, but they’re giving Cutler more time than they did last season. Matt Forte is becoming a Marshall Faulk-like back in this system, and he’s out to prove that last year’s sophomore jinx was down to injury. However, you just have the feeling that a three-pick game isn’t far away for Cutler, who was picked off six times by the Packers last season.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups: Packers Bears Betting
The Packers had a full training camp with the 3-4 defense, and it’s paying off as they’re third in the league in that category after two games. Linebacker Clay Matthews had three sacks against the Bills, which makes six in two games. The Packers are going to blitz the Bears into next week, and how they deal with Matthews’ pressure will likely decide the winner of this game.
The Bears are a bit more conservative on defense, but they can afford to be with a healthy Brian Urlacher. With Lance Briggs, the Bears’ linebackers are back to being one of the best groups in the NFC. But the secondary can be a problem as the Bears are 27th in the league against the pass, and that should have Rodgers and company licking their chops. The best weapon that the Bears have is Julius Peppers, who only has one sack in two games, but he’s been in the backfield a lot.
Betting Edge: Packers
Notable Injuries: Packers Bears Betting
Left tackle Chad Clifton (knees) didn’t play last week and isn’t practicing much, but rookie Bryan Bulaga stepped in admirably and should do so again for the Packers.
Chicago offensive lineman Chris Williams (hamstring) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) are out this week for the Bears.
Betting Edge: Packers
Outlook and Pick: Packers Bears Betting
The Packers are 3-point NFL betting favorites on the road in this huge NFC North contest, and they’ve been on fire in Chicago, going 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 away games. They should win this one as well, as we’re not ready to put our faith in Cutler just yet. He knows he was terrible against the Packers last season, and he’ll try to push the envelope, which plays right into the hands of the Packers’ opportunistic defense. Rodgers is cool enough to take what the Bears give him, and they’re going to have a big day if Chicago can’t control Finley. Go with the Packers on the road for a tough sports betting win.
Stan’s Pick: Green Bay Packers
