Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Vegas Play of the Day: Chicago Bears at New England Patriots

ap_ten_things_to_see_2014

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

AP10ThingsToSee- Chicago Bears free safety Ryan Mundy (21) prepares to run onto the field during introductions before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Chicago.

Talking Points NFL bet of the week

Week 8: Packers at Saints

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It’s 6 in the morning, and I’m already settling in for some football.

The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions are giving “early kickoff” a whole new meaning with their meeting in London, which starts in less than 30 minutes. Don’t count me in for waking up at this hour every Sunday, but I’m not so secretly enjoying the stand-alone game for now.

It’s giving me time to finalize wagers for the rest of the day, including the South Point-lined Play of the Day where my $10,000 starting bankroll has taken a major hit in recent weeks.

Chicago Bears plus-6 at New England Patriots: $660 to win $600

New England has passed the panic baton on to Chicago. A month ago, the Patriots were considered left for dead after a 41-14 blowout loss at Kansas City.

Analysts wondered if their dynasty had officially ended, characterized their playoff hopes as slim and psychoanalyzed every press conference. That’s a faint memory now, having all gone away after three straight wins including two of the lopsided variety against the Bengals and Bills.

Chicago is the new franchise being written off after losing three of its last four. There’s reported bickering between team leaders Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall and a nagging turnover problem.

Just like New England four weeks ago, it’s all overstated. Chicago is bound to bounce back.

The Bears’ defense has greatly improved since last season with rookie Kyle Fuller boosting the secondary and veteran Willie Young improving the pass rush. The offense is too talented to keep down for long.

Managing only 14 points at home against Miami isn’t as concerning as it’s made out. The Dolphins have the third best defense in the league, according to Football Outsiders’ DVOA.

The Patriots won’t have the same resistance for Cutler, Marshall, Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery. Every year, there are a few oddball teams that play too tense at home and perform more efficiently on the road.

Chicago looks like one of those teams this season, having gone 3-1 straight-up and against the spread away from Soldier Field so far. Don’t get too caught up in forgetting about the Bears.

Just glance to the other sideline to remember what happened the last time a team this talented was collectively doubted.

Standings: Bern (49-46-1, $10,321), Keefer (45-51, $8,631), Brewer (44-51-3, $4,305)

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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