New York Jets give up 52.5 rushing Yards per game (1st in NFL); 221.5 Yards Passing (11th)
The Chicago Bears Jay Cutler has had mixed results. He’s thrown 6 TDs to 2 INTs and completed 67 percent or better in both his first two games. In the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Cutler threw for 349 yards, but both of his interceptions came in that game.
His QB rating of 86.2 was not inspiring, though in Week 2 he would more efficiently post a 4 TD game with no interceptions for a 119.2 QB rating. Which Cutler will show up? The Jets have a decent defensive secondary to contain Brandon Marshall and Alston Jeffrey. Cutler will look to attack the Jets in the air given Matt Forte’s recent struggles this season.
Betting Odds courtesy of Bovada
Jay Cutler – Over/Under 260.5 yards
O: -140
U: +110
OVER. The -140 odds aren’t the greatest, but Cutler is going to attack often and may get a few dozen yards on the ground as well. Matt Forte just isn’t doing anything inspiring and the Bears have few other options in the backfield. Cutler should approach 300 yards in this game.
Jay Cutler – Total Completions 23.5
O: -125
Under: -105
To get yardage, you get completions. Cutler had 23 and 34 completions week 1 and 2, and it’s likely he’s good for 25-plus in this game; at the minimum, if he fails the bet won’t be due to a lack of precedence.
Jay Cutler Total TD Passes 1.5
Over: -125
Under: +170
This is a solid OVER. Cutler has thrown six TD passes on the season and Brandon Marshall has caught four of them. Marshall is a solid a red zone target as any in the league, and Forte is still dangerous on short routes.
Jay Cutler Total Rushing Yards 9.5
Over: -125
Under -105
Against the premier rush defense in the league, it’s hard to imagine Cutler is going to want to venture far from the pocket. What would kill this bet is one really good scramble, but it’s a safe UNDER at -105.
Matt Forte Total Rushing Yards 64.5
Over: -130
Under: EVEN
UNDER. This is the week Matt Forte really begins to anger Bears fans and bettors alike. He’s better than this, right? Short answer: No. The Bears are going to have a tough year in the backfield, and Forte has too much of a load on his shoulders. His 3.6 yards per carry is a testament to it.
Will Matt Forte score a TD?
Yes -140
No +110
He’ll still get his TD. He’s a good short down back, he’s just not a No. 1 option type back.
Will Brandon Marshall Score a TD?
Yes -160
No +130
Brandon Marshall is a safe bet for a TD in this one. He’s already had four this season and Cutler is going to look to air it out to him plenty. The -160 odds by NFL oddsmakers are testament to Marshall’s ability to rise over defenses. The better bet is the Yes/No on this than whether Marshall will be over or under 5.5 receptions.
