MNF Betting Preview: Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams

 

Despite playing in one of the country's biggest cities, the Chicago Bears continue to fly below the NFL radar. They have a 5-1 record and lead the Green Bay Packers by a half-game in the NFC North. This week, they head west to take on the 4-2 Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.

LOW ROLLOVERS AND HIGH REWARDS AT AMERICA’S BOOKIE

Last week, the Rams squandered a great chance to stay close to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. Instead, they were beaten by the seemingly struggling San Francisco 49ers, 24-16. The Rams were held 10 points below their season average by the Niners, and Chicago presents another tough defense.

Before we move on, last week was a crazy one, go check out NFL Week 6 by the numbers.

Betting Lines

The Rams are 5.5-point favorites over the Bears, with the over/under set at 45.5 points. The moneyline puts the Rams at odds of -275 with the Bears getting odds of +220. Bettors on the Bears bandwagon have been cashing in this season with another chance this week.

So far this season, the Bears are 4-2 against the spread, while the Rams are 3-3. Both teams sport the same 2-4 record on the over/under.

Editor’s Choice: NFL First and Second Half Lines

Game Preview

While the Rams won four of their first five games, all of the wins came against the NFC East. That division is trending toward a historically bad season. Given the Rams' weak schedule to date, it's difficult to gauge the strength of the team and make our free pick.

Meanwhile, the Bears just keep winning, even if it's in close games. They've only outscored their opponents by 12 points on the season, giving up less than 20 points per game. That puts them seventh in the league in scoring defense.

The Rams defense has fared even better, but that's against some of the most anemic offenses in the NFL. They're averaging 25.3 points a game on offense, four points higher than the Bears. This shapes up to be a defensive battle, thus the relatively low over/under total.

Chicago has been outgained on offense by an average of 23 yards per game. Their opponents are averaging more yards per play rushing and passing than the Bears. Somehow, they just keep finding ways to win.

Meanwhile, the Rams are outgaining their opposition by 56 yards per game and have 20 sacks through six games. The Bears have allowed 11 sacks so far. They are a bit vulnerable in that aspect of the game, which is a possible advantage for the Rams.

What Will Happen Monday Night?

The Bears are probably the best team the Rams have faced, although they only lost 35-32 in Buffalo. Expect a defensive struggle and close game between two surprise teams. If the Rams can get to Bears quarterback Nick Foles early, it could be a long night for Chicago.

Online sportsbooks are currently giving the Bears 5.5-points, and I feel that’s the way to go.

I was on Chicago early this season, and it's hard for me to abandon them now. They've found ways to hang in games and come out on top. The Rams' dismal schedule and lack of a win against a team over .500 concern me.

It looks like another close game for the Bears. So take Chicago and the under in an outright 23-20 win.