NFL betting trends, odds and predictions for Thursday, October 20th, 2016 6 from various handicappers and websites.
CHICAGO (1 - 5) at GREEN BAY (3 - 2) - 10/20/2016, 8:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 points since 1992.
CHICAGO is 44-68 ATS (-30.8 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 102-75 ATS (+19.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.
GREEN BAY is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
GREEN BAY is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
GREEN BAY is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
GREEN BAY is 3-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO vs. GREEN BAY
Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Green Bay
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Green Bay is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Green Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago
Chicago at Green Bay
Chicago: 10-25 ATS in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 45.5
Green Bay: 18-8 ATS in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49
Thursday Night Football Betting Preview
By Sportsbook.ag
Chicago Bears (1-5 SU; 1-5 ATS) vs. Green Bay Packers (3-2 SU; 2-2-1 ATS)
Sportsbook.ag Odds: Green Bay (-8 ); Total set at 45.5
Week 7 of the NFL begins in the NFC North as the longest standing rivalry in the NFL writes its first chapter of the 2016 season. Chicago and Green Bay appear to be headed in different directions this year, but Green Bay has had their struggles as well as their offense has been sub-par for the bulk of the year.
With Aaron Rodgers under center, and the wide receiver options they've got on the outside, the Packers are built to win with their offense. That unit is ranked in the bottom third of the league in yards/game and below the halfway mark in points/game, so there is cause for concern in Wisconsin. But beating up on an old rival like the Bears who are 1-5 SU right now could be exactly what Rodgers and company need right now.
The point spread for this game is reflective of the two teams' records coming into this one, but having it more than a TD can become problematic for a Green Bay team that has offensive issues. The general perception here is that the Packers are the much better team, but Green Bay has yet to play a complete game this year and that has to be troublesome for those looking to lay the chalk.
Chicago has allowed 29, 31, and 23 points in their three road games this year so there are some positive signs for the Packers to get back on track here, but a seven-point win by the Packers wouldn't be enough to cash a ticket as the point spread definitely lives up to its reputation of being the great equalizer in this game.
Chicago players have started to voice some frustrations after their 1-5 SU start. Last week's one-point loss at home against Jacksonville was especially frustrating because Chicago couldn't close the deal late and it's been two weeks in a row where they lost the game in the final five minutes.
Bad NFL teams always find ways to lose games like that in this league and while the Bears aren't going to be going anywhere in terms of the playoffs this season, this is an organization that's building for the future and learning how to win is part of that process.
Chicago's got enough offensive talent – even with Brian Hoyer at QB – to keep up and put a serious scare in Green Bay this week, but bettors looking to grab the points have to be concerned about Chicago's choking ways late in games the past two weeks.
With concerns on both sides here it's not surprising to see the VegasInsider.com betting percentages relatively equal at the moment. The Packers are getting about 60% of the support from the early money, but the spread has actually moved down from it's opening number of +8.5/9. The bigger bets clearly have no problem taking the points as the worries about Green Bay's offense are prevalent on their mind. I'd tend to agree with them as this might be a few too many points for the Packers to cover.
Green Bay is just 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight home games, 2-7 ATS at home against a losing team on the road, and 0-4 ATS after losing by double digits at home. Dallas has been very good this year on both sides of this ball, but they thoroughly dominated the Packers last week. Having Green Bay going through that quick turnaround on a short week and expecting them to completely change things and dominate the Bears is a bit much to ask here.
Best Bet: Chicago +8
NFL Week 7
Bears (1-5) @ Packers (3-2) — Red flag for Packers; five games, only two second half TDs, as Rodgers missed several open receivers in LW’s one-sided loss to Dallas- Pack has been outscored 53-32 in 2nd half this year. 4th straight home game for Green Bay; they’re 0-2-1 as home favorites, with both home wins by 7 points. Chicago blew 13-0 4th quarter lead in home loss to Jags LW; Bears had only one TD in four trips to red zone. Bears are 0-3 as road underdogs this year, losing away games by 9-14-6 points. Green Bay won 10 of last 12 series games, but Bears won two of last three visits here, in rivalry where home side lost six of last seven series games. Five of last six series totals were 47+. NFL-wide, home favorites are 4-11 vs spread in divisional games this year.
Armadillosports.com
NFL: Streak, Tips, Notes
Sportspic.com
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Week-7 kicks off with a conference battle at Lambeau Field between the host Green Bay Packers (3-2, 2-2-1 ATS) and visiting Chicago Bears (1-5 SU/ATS). Current odds at Sports Interaction has Packers -7.5 point home favorite with the total set at 46.0
Both NFC North squads will be aiming to bounce back from WK-6 losses as Packers were crushed 30-16 as -5.0 point home chalk by Cowboys while Bears blowing a 13-0 third quarter lead lost 17-16 to Jaguars as -2.5 point faves at Soldier Field.
Playing on three days rest isn't ideal for either team, but it's more difficult on visiting teams as they must travel getting even less prep, practice time.
This season, Thursday visitors have been on the wrong end of the score board four times with two victories while going 2-4 against the betting line. A small a sample to gleen meaningful betting information, so we revved up our trusted NFL betting number crunching machine looking at the last 75 Thursday games. Road team records remain consistent losers as they put up 33 W's, 42 L's for a 44.0% win rate. But, adding the great equalizer (point spread) roadies cashed at a 53.3% clip going 40-34-1 against the betting line including 25-22 ATS as pooches.
Breaking stats down as it applies to this weeks clash, shows road teams seem to dig down a little deeper against divisional opponents on Thursday coming up winners 49.1% of the time (26-27) going 30-22-1 ATS (56.6%) including 18-16 ATS in an underdog roll. Slight ATS lean towards Bears at this point. However, an additional tightener reveals backing Bears could be costly. That's because road underdogs are 1-6 against the betting line in Thursday divisional clashes when both squads are off a loss the previous game.
Packers 3-0 ATS off loss as a favorite, 5-1 ATS off a loss facing a division opponent the next game, 8-3 ATS vs Bears, 3-1 ATS as home chalk on Thursday the numbers point towards Green Bay being the right choice. One final betting nugget: Bears are a money-burning 3-7-1 against the betting line in unfriendly territory off a loss as a favorite.
NFL Thursday Night Football Betting Preview
By Covers.com
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-7.5, 46)
While there are many questions surrounding Aaron Rodgers' performance this season, the Green Bay Packers have a bigger issue on their hands heading into Thursday's home game against the Chicago Bears: health. Running back Eddie Lacy is nursing an ankle injury in a backfield that could be reduced to undrafted rookie practice squad member Don Jackson and newcomer Knile Davis, who was acquired from Kansas City for a conditional draft pick on Tuesday.
"It's part of the NFL landscape, and it's obviously a big challenge when you're on a short week," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said of Davis' task to hit the ground running. "But he's definitely a talented young player." McCarthy used wideout Ty Montgomery out of the backfield in Sunday's 30-16 loss to Dallas, with Rodgers overthrowing an open Randall Cobb in the end zone to underscore his issues with accuracy. Former two-time NFL MVP Rodgers hasn't struggled in his last four encounters with Chicago, throwing 14 touchdowns against one interception for a 127.0 passer rating. While Rodgers feels the Packers are "close" to righting the ship, the Bears are sinking despite rookie running back Jordan Howard rolling up 335 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in his first three career starts.
LINE HISTORY: The Packers opened as big 9-point home favorites over their NFC North rivals from down the road in Chicago. On Tuesday that -9 was dropped all the way down to -7.5 after news that Green Bay running back Eddie Lacy will likely be unavailable for Thursday's game. The total hit the board at 47 and was dropped a single point to 46. View complete line history here.
WEATHER REPORT: Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-40's are in the forecast for Thursday night in Green Bay. Wind will not be a factor at 2-3 mph and it should be a perfect October night for football.
INJURIES:
Bears - LB L. Floyd (Prob Thurs, calf), LB J. Freeman (Prob Thurs, wrist), TE Z. Miller (Prob Thurs, ribs), RB K. Carey (Prob Thurs, hamstring), LB S. Acho (Ques Thurs, personal), CB T. Porter (Ques Thurs, knee), CB B. Callahan (Ques Thurs, hamstring), QB J. Cutler (Doub Thurs, thumb), NT E. Goldman (Doub Thurs, ankle), CB D. Hall (Early Nov, ankle), WR E. Royal (Out Thurs, toe), G J. Sitton (Early Nov, ankle), RB J. Langford (Early Nov, ankle), LB P. McPhee (Ques Thurs, knee), LB R. Robertson-Harris (Ques Thurs, illness), WR K. White (Elig Week 13, leg), LB L. Houston (I-R, knee), WR M. Wilson (Elig Week 8, foot), LB L. Barrow (I-R, foot), OL N. Becton (I-R, shoulder), DL E. Ferguson (I-R, shoulder), LB D. Mason (I-R, undisclosed), OL H. Grasu (I-R, knee), QB C. Shaw (I-R, leg), DB B. Boykin (I-R, undisclosed).
Packers - T B. Bulaga (Prob Thurs, back), WR R. Cobb (Prob Thurs, back), WR J. Abbrederis (Prob Thurs, thigh), RB K. Davis (Ques Thurs, concussion), S C. Banjo (Doub Thurs, hamstring), WR D. Adams (Doub Thurs, concussion), CB D. Randall (Out Thurs, groin), CB Q. Rollins (Out Thurs, groin), RB E. Lacy (Out Indefinitely, ankle), RB J. Starks (Mid Nov, knee), TE J. Cook (Early Nov, ankle), C C. Linsley (Doub Thurs, hamstring), CB S. Shields (Elig Week 15, concussion), DT T. Kuder (I-R, undisclosed), CB M. Dorleant (I-R, undisclosed), RB J. Crockett (I-R, shoulder).
ABOUT THE BEARS (1-5 SU, 1-5 ATS, 3-3 O/U): Brian Hoyer is the first quarterback in team history to record four consecutive 300-yard passing games and looks to exploit a Green Bay secondary that could be without three of its top cornerbacks -- Sam Shields (concussion, injured reserve), Damarious Randall (groin) and Quinten Rollins (groin). Cameron Meredith reeled in 11 receptions for 113 yards in a 17-16 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday and fellow wideout Alshon Jeffery added 93 yards receiving for the Bears, who are seventh in total offense and fourth in passing offense. Veteran Eddie Royal (toe) missed Tuesday's practice while tight end Zach Miller (team-leading 31 receptions) is nursing bruised ribs.
ABOUT THE PACKERS (3-2 SU, 2-2-1 ATS, 2-3 O/U): Wideout Jordy Nelson failed to reach the end zone for the first time this season on Sunday and has just 106 yards receiving over his last two games, but is averaging 140.3 yards in his last three meetings with Chicago. Fellow wideout Cobb reeled in a touchdown reception last week and has six scores in his past five games versus the Bears. Montgomery collected a career-high 10 receptions last week and could see plenty of action given the Packers' backfield woes and the expected absence of wide receiver Davante Adams (concussion).
TRENDS:
* Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Packers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Over is 4-1 in Bears last 5 road games.
* Under is 8-1 in Packers last 9 home games.
* Bears are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 meetings.
CONSENESUS: 56 percent of picks are on the Packers to cover at home while 56 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.
TNF - Bears at Packers
By Tony Mejia
VegasInsider.com
Chicago at Green Bay (-7.5, 46)
Weather hasn’t really played a factor in many games this season, most memorably impacting a couple of games via rain and that Ravens-‘Skins game with winds from the waning fury of Hurricane Matthew. This Thursday night game will be played in 40-degree temperatures, a reminder that the days where Mother Nature will play a role are drawing closer.
The fact weather has been so mild is another reason why it’s so concerning that Aaron Rodgers hasn’t looked right. Rodgers is completing 60.2 percent of his passes, ranking 23rd in the NFL. Over his career, he’s a 65-percent passer, but has seen that completion percentage dip every year since topping out at 68.3 back in 2011. It’s no crime if he’s not going to age as gracefully as Tom Brady, but the drop-off has been unexpected enough to question whether he’s injured.
It’s not like Rodgers has had to deal with multiple elite defenses this season. Outside of the Vikings, who held Green Bay to a season-low two scoring drives, the Jaguars, Lions, Giants and Cowboys don’t boast the type of resistance that should be rattling a two-time MVP who looked like he’d be fine with top target Jordy Nelson back.
Is this a slump? Last week’s careless interception was Rodgers’ third in two games. Although he threw for seven touchdowns and just one pick in September, there were instances of sloppy play before the month began. Considering the talent at receiver that the Packers enjoy, Rodgers’ struggles are to blame.
“'I just think it's accuracy,” Rodgers said. “I've missed a couple that I'm used to hitting. And you hit those and you take away the throwaways, being able to hit some things on some of those plays instead of extending and throwing the ball away and we're right where we need to be.”
Eddie Lacy’s ankle isn’t expected to be healed enough for him to suit up, so the Packers will be relying on Rodgers to right himself without much support from the ground game. James Starks remains out with a knee injury that may keep him out into November, which means the newly acquired Knile Davis will arrive from Kansas City and immediately be in the mix for meaningful snaps.
The Bears haven't had QB Jay Cutler (thumb) and RB Jeremy Langford (ankle) for the past few games and should see them miss another due to a short week. Brian Hoyer has thrown for 300 yards in each of his four starts, throwing six touchdown passes without being intercepted. He's averaged just over 30 completions per game, while rookie Jordan Howard and the versatile Ka'Deem Carey have tried to hold down the rushing attack.
Red-zone efficiency has been a major issue for Chicago, which has settled for six Connor Barth field goals in its last two losses, falling to 1-5, its worst start since 2004. The Bears have averaged 1.5 yards per carry in the red zone and rank 24th in points per possession when reaching the opponents' 20-yard line. Regardless of Rodgers' struggles, that's not going to cut it in order to pull an upset at Lambeau.
Chicago Bears
Season win total: 7.5 (Over +145, Under -165)
Odds to win NFC North: 8/1 to 200/1
Odds to win NFC: 20/1 to 500/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 40/1 to 1000/1
Green Bay Packers
Season win total: 10.5 (Over -170, Under +150)
Odds to win NFC North: 5/8 to 2/1
Odds to win NFC: 5/1 to 6/1
Odds to win Super Bowl: 50/1 to 100/1
LINE MOVEMENT
The Packers were 4-to-5 to win the NFC North last week, the first time they weren't the listed favorite since Minnesota was +100. After falling to Dallas, Green Bay saw the WestgateLV SuperBook offer up 2-to-1 odds on a division title, the highest payout that's been available on them thus far this season. After losing at home to Jacksonville, the Bears were placed at 200-to-1 to win the North after entering Sunday at 80-to-1. Bettors who faded the that preseason win total for Chicago have to love their position, but Packer-backers have to be a little concerned that the OVER looks so far away. As far as this matchup is concerned, most books set the opening number at Packers -9, though CG Technology went -10. After hovering around 9 and 9.5 all Monday, many bettors took the points and books adjusted, settling in at 7.5 at most books including the WestgateLV SuperBook. There are some -8s are out there. The total appears to have settled at 46.
INJURY CONCERNS
In addition to the aforementioned injury situations covered above, both teams have other issues. Bears LG Josh Sitton, formerly a Green Bay mainstay at guard, will be out with an ankle injury. Eddie Royal, who has been heavily targeted by Hoyer and has 18 receptions over his last three games, will miss Thursday’s game with a toe injury. Cameron Meredith will continue to serve in a heightened role. TE Zach Miller is dealing with a rib injury, CBs Tracy Porter (knee), Bryce Callahan (hamstring) and Deiondre Hall (ankle) could all miss this contest, which would leave the Bears awfully thin in the secondary.
Green Bay also has major concerns in its defensive backfield since corners Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins have been ruled out with groin injuries. The Packers have already been without Sam Shields all season, so their secondary will be relying on some inexperienced players here. Up front, the Pack will have Brian Bulaga (back) in the mix and also got good news regarding Randall Cobb’s back and should have his play-making ability out there.
WOULD P-A-N-I-C FOLLOW PACK LOSS?
Since Rodgers took over for Brett Favre back in 2008, Green Bay’s worst start through six games has been 3-3, so it’s not like an upset would leave them in unprecedented territory. In fact, the Pack went out and won a Super Bowl after finding themselves at .500 through six games back in 2010, but a loss would be the fifth in their last eight home games, where Rodgers once seemed invincible.
Rodgers is 12-4 in his career against the Bears and has thrown for 35 touchdowns against his team’s oldest rival, so no one is going to be buying the r-e-l-a-x routine if he can’t beat this depleted group. Questions about whether the magic with head coach Mike McCarthy has worn off have already started being whispered, so there’s certainly a sense of desperation settling in. Former Packer standout WR Greg Jennings has piled on, pointing out that Rodgers has been able to avoid serious criticism over the years but can no longer do so. With the Thursday night stage to himself, Rodgers’ play will be heavily scrutinized.
RECENT MEETINGS (Green Bay 4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS last five; OVER 4-1)
11/26/15 Chicago 17-13 at Green Bay (GB -7.5, 45)
9/13/15 Green Bay 31-23 at Chicago (GB -6, 48.5)
11/9/14 Green Bay 55-14 vs. San Diego (GB -9, 53)
9/28/14 Green Bay 38-17 at Chicago (GB -2, 51)
12/29/13 Green Bay 33-28 at Chicago (GB -3, 51)
PACKERS AS A HOME FAVORITE
The Packers were 9-0 including the postseason in 2014, going 6-2-1 against the spread, but have slumped at Lambeau over the past year-plus. In '15, they were 5-3 SU and just 4-4 ATS, but covered only one of their last five. Green Bay is 1-1-1 ATS this season in winning two of its first three, but is just 1-2 at Lambeau over the past three seasons against these Bears.
BEARS AS A ROAD UNDERDOG
Chicago hasn't covered a road game this season, arriving in Green Bay 0-3. The Bears actually went 4-1 SU and ATS as road dogs to close out 2015, which includes the 17-13 Thursday night upset last Thanksgiving.
NEXT WEEK'S NUMBERS POSTED
The Westgate opens its advance lines for the following week on Tuesdays and Week 8 has Packers as 2.5-point underdogs at Atlanta in a matchup to look forward to. The Bears are a 5.5-point home underdog as they square off against Minnesota in another national showcase. Jay Cutler could return Monday night.