St. Louis Rams vs. Chicago Bears: NFL Week 3 Betting Odds and Predictions

St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears
Sunday, 9/23/12, 1:00 PM EST, TV: FOX
Opening Point Spread: Chicago -8
Current Betting Line: Chicago -7
Opening Total: 44.5
Current Total: 43
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

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St. Louis has been very competitive in splitting its first two games, which includes an exciting 31-28 win over the Washington Redskins as 3.5-point home underdogs last week. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher has been known as one of the best against-the-spread options in the league, which is something sports bettors need to pay attention to, as his new team has covered both contests. Quarterback Sam Bradford is coming off one of his best performances, completing 26 of 35 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. St. Louis is 3-1-1 ATS over its last five games.

The Rams may have to play this NFC affair without the services of running back Steven Jackson, who figures to be a game-time decision with a groin injury. Three of the team’s nine offensive linemen weren’t in St. Louis when training camp started. With left tackle Rodger Saffold out with a knee injury, the Rams are going to have a hard time blocking Bears defensive end Julius Peppers, which could be the difference in this game at Soldier Field.

Chicago has already proven to be one of the more inconsistent NFL teams after two weeks, as it followed up an impressive season-opening win against the Indianapolis Colts with a horrible performance against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears finished with just 168 yard of offense at Lambeau Field, as quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked seven times in the NFC North affair. The franchise may benefit from a few extra days off in this particular contest, especially when playing an opponent its beaten three straight times. Chicago is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games in Week 3, which is a difficult betting trend to ignore when making your NFL predictions this weekend.

The Bears will likely be without star running back Matt Forte, who is listed as doubtful with a sprained ankle that he suffered against the Packers, which places even more pressure on the offensive line to keep Cutler upright in the pocket. Chicago will look to get wide receiver Brandon Marshall involved early, but he’ll be matched up with cornerback Cortland Finnegan. He has a total of seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown in two games against him.