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The Chicago Bears are finding out that it’s much different being the hunted rather than the hunter. Last year’s run to the NFC North title put a target on their back and they barely escaped last week’s matchup with Denver when, of all people, kicker Eddy Piniero, hit the game-winning field goal. The kicking situation may be resolved, but the Bears are looking to get the offense untracked against a Washington Redskins squad that has surrendered 31.5 points and 455 yards per game through the first two weeks. The Bears are a 4.5-point favorite on the current NFL betting line for the Week 3 Monday Night Football tilt.
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Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins
Date and Time: Monday, September 23, 2019, 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: FedEx Field, Landover, MD
Opening NFL Odds: Chicago -4, O/U 42.5
Bears at Redskins TV Coverage: ESPN
Odds Analysis
While Chicago’s offense has plenty of issues, there is nothing wrong with the defense. And because of that unit the Bears opened -4. The line briefly dropped to -3.5 before the betting public started buying the visitors again, pushing the line up to its current -4.5. A late 53-yard field goal gave the Bears a 16-14 win at Denver last week, but they failed to cover the 3-point closing line falling to 0-2 ATS. The Skins got a late touchdown against Philly in their opener for a backdoor cover, but they weren’t as fortunate last week, losing by 10 as a 6-point dog to Dallas.
Chicago Bears
The Bears were hoping another year for Mitchell Trubisky under the tutelage of Matt Nagy would allow the former No. 2 overall pick to continue the development he showed last year. However, that hasn’t been the case through the first two games of the season. Trubisky has completed 42 of 72 attempts for 348 yards in two games and the Bears offense has produced just one touchdown and 19 total points.
Playing against two good defensive teams hasn’t helped and the Bears are hoping this is the week the offense turns things around. They have a good chance of doing that against a Skins defense that allowed 32 points in the opener and 31 last week while wilting in the second half of games. Despite the early season struggles, Trubisky is confident heading into Monday night’s matchup. “We’ve got to believe that this offense can explode at any minute because of the playmakers we have in the locker room.”
Feeding off last year’s success the Bears have maintained their edge on defense giving up just 24 points total and less than 300 yards per game through two weeks to rank among the top-three in each category. They also have seven sacks in two games and will pressure Case Keenum relentlessly. Scoring 19 points and allowing 24 has given the Bears two under wins on the total.
Washington Redskins
Has any team dealt with as many injuries over the last few seasons as Washington? The Skins are riddled again with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie the latest to go in injured reserve. The loss of several defenders has created problems on that side of the football and the unit has been worn down in the second half of games allowing a combined 569 yards to Philadelphia and Dallas over the final two quarters of those games.
Things started well enough for the Skins, who jumped out to an early 17-0 lead and were ahead of the Eagles 20-7 at half of the opener. Philly scored the next 25 points and only a late Keenum touchdown pass allowed Washington to get the backdoor cover as a 10-point dog.
Another outburst by Dallas last week put the Skins in a 0-2 hole to start the year and once again the defense was the story. After taking a 7-0 lead, the Skins were outscored 31-7 and another late score couldn’t get them a cover this time. Keenum has done a fine job keeping Dwayne Haskins’ seat warm throwing for 601 yards and five touchdowns with no picks. But the defense just hasn’t been able to keep up.
Bet Bears at Redskins at BookMaker.eu
The total made its way down to 41 after hitting the board at 42.5, and there isn’t much to suggest these teams can reach that number. That being said, the Bears have players on offense and should show us something against a group that’s struggled. Keenum will be running for his life and without the threat of a run game, the Bears will tee off. I like Chicago to cover while the teams play below the total.
NFL Score Prediction: Chicago 23, Washington 15
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- This article courtesy of Phil Simon and Bookmaker.eu
