Bears at Bengals Pick
Two non-conference foes meet at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday, as the Cincinnati Bengals host the Chicago Bears at 4:15PM ET.
The Bears lost their second game of the season in a 21-14 defeat to the Falcons in Week 6. Quarterback Jay Cutler passed for 300 yards with two touchdowns, but he threw two interceptions, including one in the red zone to kill a potential scoring drive. Greg Olsen caught five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown in the loss as Chicago failed to cover as a 4-point underdog.
The Bengals also suffered defeat in Week 6, losing 28-17 to the Texans at home. Carson Palmer threw for 259 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Cincinnati, while Chad Ochocinco caught five passes for 103 yards. The Bengals failed to cover as a 3.5-point spread.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com have made the Bengals a 1-point home favorite over the Bears on Sunday. The over/under total for this game has been set at 42.5.
The key to this game may be injuries. The Bengals will be without defensive end Antwan Odom, who suffered a season-ending injury last week in the loss to Houston. Safety Roy Williams is also doubtful, while receiver Chris Henry and defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene are questionable.
The most significant injury for Cincinnati is Odom, who has provided an outstanding pass rush for the Bengals this season. If Cincy can’t generate a consistent rush and Cutler has time to throw, the Bears might have some success offensively.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that Chicago will be able to run the football. Matt Forte and the Bears’ O-line has struggled dramatically in the running game this season, which could be a factor against a Bengals defense that has been underrated this season. That said, we don’t think Cedric Benson will have much success against a good Chicago front seven and we like the Bears to get a big road win.
Our NFL Week 7 Free Pick for this matchup is: CHICAGO BEARS +1 and OVER 42.5.
417 Chicago Bears +1 Over 42.5
418 Cincinnati Bengals –1 Under 42.5
Chicago is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago Bears |
||
Pisa Tinoisamoa |
LB |
Out Week 7 (knee) |
Tommie Harris |
DT |
Doubtful Week 7 (knee) |
Adrian Peterson |
RB |
Doubtful Week 7 (knee) |
Josh Bullocks |
S |
Probable Week 7 (ankle) |
Corey Graham |
CB |
Probable Week 7 (ankle) |
Hunter Hillenmeyer |
LB |
Probable Week 7 (rib) |
Israel Idonije |
DT |
Probable Week 7 (knee) |
Kevin Payne |
S |
Probable Week 7 (toe) |
Cincinnati Bengals |
||
Johan Asiata |
G |
Signed to practice squad |
Woodny Turenne |
CB |
Released from practice squad |
Darrell McClover |
LB |
Signed to one-year contract |
DeAngelo Smith |
CB |
Waived |
Johan Asiata |
G |
Signed to practice squad |
Woodny Turenne |
CB |
Contract terminated |
Trumaine McBride |
CB |
Placed on waived/injured list |
DeAngelo Smith |
CB |
Claimed off waivers from Cleveland |
Posted: 10/25/09 2:40PM ET