Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Monday, 10/10/11, 8:30 PM EST, TV:  ESPN
Opening Point Spread:  Detroit -6
Current Betting Line:  Detroit -5.5
Opening Total:  47
Current Total:  47
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Chicago is the “other” team in this Monday Night Football matchup due to Detroit’s 4-0 start, but bettors need to realize that the team hasn’t been an underdog in this series in at least the last 10 meetings.  “It’s got a playoff atmosphere to it,” stated Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.  It certainly does when the road team wants to desperately avoid falling to 2-3 on the season.  The game really centers around a defense that has shown some holes early this year against a youthful offense that has taken the league by storm.  Chicago has allowed 17 pass plays of 20 yards or more.  Chicago is 1-4 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points, while the ‘under’ is 4-1 in those contests.

The Bears would definitely benefit in continuing to give the ball to running back Matt Forte, who is third in the NFL with 5,365 yards from scrimmage through Week 4 since he joined the league in 2008.  It would definitely slow down a ferocious Detroit defensive line, especially when the team has allowed 15 sacks in four games.  One player that will have mixed emotions in the contest is Bears receiver Roy Williams, who has always underachieved and will be playing against his former team.  “I know the fans are excited,” Williams commented this week.  “They truly deserve it.”

Detroit is aiming for its first 5-0 start since 1956 and will be looking to snap a six-game skid against the Chicago Bears in the process.  It’s a tremendous time to be in the Motor City as a sports fan, as the Tigers are in the MLB playoffs and the Red Wings are ready for another NHL season.  “This is a great little stretch for Detroit,” commented Lions coach Jim Schwartz.  The Lions will need to focus on stopping Forte, who gained 205 yards on 25 carries last week against the Carolina Panthers.  Detroit is 4-2 ATS as a favorite and the ‘over’ is 5-2 in that situation.

The Lions are one of the more dynamic offensive teams in football due to the quarterback-receiver combination of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.  The duo have helped the team be the first in league history to win consecutive games when trailing by at least 20 points.  Johnson enters as the only player in league history to catch more than one touchdown pass in the first four games of a season.

Bettors will likely back the Bears due to their 5-1 ATS mark on Monday Night Football, while the Lions are 2-6 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points.

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