Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears
Friday, 8/8/14, 8:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Chicago -2
Current Betting Line: Chicago -1.5
Opening Total: 39.5
Current Total: 41
Odds Courtesy of 5Dimes
Philadelphia is getting ready to defend its 2013 NFC East division title, but it must first get through its second preseason under head coach Chip Kelly, which is important to consider when checking out the NFL betting lines. The Eagles have compiled a dismal 13-30-1 SU regular season record against the Bears, but have split only two exhibition meetings. Quarterback Nick Foles takes over the controls under center as the clear No. 1 option after recording a 119.2 passer rating and earning a Pro Bowl selection a year ago, while former New York Jets signal-caller Mark Sanchez is expected to be his backup.
The Eagles have numerous playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, with MVP candidate LeSean McCoy leading the way, as he ran for a franchise-record 1,607 yards in 2013. Philadelphia added a dynamic player in running back Darren Sproles during the offseason, which could make this unit unstoppable at times. Defensively, the squad will once again be led by the play of linebacker Trent Cole, who finished with a flurry of sacks in registering nine in the final nine contests—including the playoffs.
Chicago is starting to gain a look as a Super Bowl contender due to wide receiver Brandon Marshall’s high praise of quarterback Jay Cutler, who he expects to potentially win the MVP award, which is important to consider when making your NFL predictions on a weekly basis. Cutler finished last year with the second-highest completion percentage in franchise history—in addition to posting a career-best passer rating of 89.2. The only question mark on that side of the football is the third wide receiver spot, as Marquess Wilson went down with a broken right clavicle this week.
The Bears went 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in their first preseason under Marc Trestman, which includes failing to cover the number as underdogs in two opportunities. Chicago’s main priority in camp is trying to fix a defense that ranked 15th and 32nd in passing and rushing defensive respectively a year ago.
Sports bettors will likely back the Bears in this spot, as they look to gain revenge from last year’s 54-11 blowout loss to the Eagles as 2.5-point road underdogs.
Don’t miss out on a winning season and let the NFL handicappers at Maddux Sports line your pockets with cash. Long term packages are available now!
