NFL Week 9 – MNF – Chicago Bears at Green bay Packers

Chicago Bears at Green bay Packers -10.5 Total: 50

Monday, November 4rd, 2013 TV: ESPN 8:30 EDT

Finally, an appetizing matchup for Monday Night Football. This is an old fashioned grudge match against two divisional opponents in a tight race. Chicago has an uphill battle going to Lambeau without its starting quarterback and has lost the six games against the Pack.

The Bears suffered a rough injury before their bye in Week 8 with quarterback Jay Cutler going down with a groin injury in a 45-41 loss at Washington on October 20th. He will be out this contest and is questionable to return next week. In his stead will be Josh McCown, who was excellent in relief of Cutler in the loss against Washington. In just three quarters, he threw for 204 yards on 14 of 20 for a touchdown and also added 33 rushing yards.

McCown will have to rely on his compliment of skill players in this one, wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall and running back Matte Forte. They will all likely need to have monster games as the already poor Bears defense has been ravaged by injuries.

Lance Briggs will be out at least month, and rookies Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene will split time in his spot at linebacker. Cornerback Charles Tillman is also banged up, but expects to play in the contest.

The Packers welcome the Bears with a 5-2 record on the season fresh off a win against Minnesota last Sunday Night. The show continues for Aaron Rodgers even without his usual targets of Randall Cobb, James Jones and Jermicheal Finley. The former NFL MVP threw for 285 yards and two TDs in the 44-31 win over the Vikings. Jordy Nelson continues to be a strong target with the recent injuries and has posted three hundred yard games, including last week’s two touchdown, 123 yard effort.

It has been hit or miss defensively for Green Bay. They seem to take away a team’s best option offensively, but normally do a poor job in stopping the offense overall. Their rush defense has been good even with their injuries to Clay Matthews and Brad Jones.

The Line

This game opened at Packers -9.5 and has moved to at least -10.5 at most books. Earlier in the week it was -11 at almost every sportsbook. The total opened at 49 and has been pushed to 50 just about everywhere with some books opting for 50.5.

The Play

It is clear that the Packers won’t have any trouble scoring in this one despite their offensive injuries; the Bears are a train wreck on defense. But, I do not think the Bears offense will have trouble either.

McCown looked especially impressive in the loss against the Redskins and should have no problem putting up,at least, above average numbers against the Packers defense. The Vikings offense, led by Christian Ponder put up 24 points a week ago, which is a clear indictment on this unit. Minnesota doesn’t come close to matching the Bears in talented skill players.

Forte, Jeffery and Marshall are all capable of breaking a game open on their own, and I have confidence that Josh McCown will be able to get them the ball with ease. Many are already speculating that McCown may have an eye opening performance this week against the Packers, and the matchup is certainly there.

I think this will be a shootout, and the over certainly is in play for those that truly have no faith in the defenses in this game. The Bears are the safer play at +10.5 because I think they will be in this one till the final minutes, regardless of the score line.

Take the points with the Bears +10.5 on the road with Bovada.lv.