Week 3 of the NFL season wraps up with the Philadelphia Eagles visiting the Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football."
Despite outplaying and outgaining the Tennessee Titans for the bulk of last week's contest, the Eagles struggled to put them away in their 24-20 win in Week 2. A pair of costly interceptions and constant pressure from a Jeffery Simmons-led front allowed the Titans to hang around.
Ultimately, however, the Eagles' superior ball control, running back depth and DeVonta Smith's aerial dominance proved too much for Tennessee. The 2-0 Eagles are looking to fly to Chicago and stay perfect on prime time. Expect OC Sean Mannion to establish the running game early while picking on Chicago's banged up-secondary.
Truly meme-worthy, the Bears went from being the highest-scoring offense in the league in Week 1 to ineffective against Brian Flores' Vikings defense in Week 2. From the weather to the game play, Chicago was sloppy. Bogged down by eight penalties and two turnovers, the Bears failed to find any sort of flow or convert on several red zone opportunities.
The lone offensive bright spot came via the team's RBs. D'Andre Swift led the squad with 99 scrimmage yards, while Kyle Monangai averaged 4.7 yards on 10 carries. Without Caleb Williams on the field, Chicago figures to rely on the aforementioned duo. It's a move that the Eagles will likely anticipate, however, and they will load the box against Chicago, daring the opposition's replacement quarterback to throw the ball downfield.
Betting outlook
Injuries have significantly affected line movement in this matchup. With Saquon Barkley sporting a "cowboy collar" and Case Keenum projected to be the Bears' starter under center, the public appears to be bracing for a low-scoring affair. The game total opened at 43.5 points but has since dropped to 41.5. With Philadelphia failing to catch steam before the fourth quarter in consecutive outings and Chicago limited at QB, the under is a prudent -- but exceedingly boring -- wager to make.
More interesting is the spread. Despite going 2-0, the Eagles are 0-2 against the spread to begin the season.
If Chicago can clean up the penalties (the forecast calls for a low chance of rain), lean on the ground game and force Jalen Hurts into costly mistakes, the Bears should cover. It sounds like a lot, but with a coach who knows how to get buy-in, given the home-field advantage and noting the Eagles' slow starts, Chicago can keep it close.
Notable player props, bets
Note: Odds by DraftKings
and subject to change.
Kalif Raymond OVER 24.5 receiving yards (-110)
Raymond has led the receiving corps in targets (14), catches (13) and receiving yards (124). Registering at least 40 yards in back-to-back weeks, the former Lion has shined as a high-volume safety valve. Raymond's success has come via well-paced underneath grabs, as evidenced by his 5.0 aDOT. Given Keenum's reputation as a game manager, and noting his average arm strength, Raymond's deployment should be unaffected and, perhaps, further highlighted.