Statschecker: Bears At Redskins: 5 Things To Consider
You have every right to be angry at the television executives that chose to make this game a part of the Monday Night Football schedule. Neither of these teams have bathed themselves in glory to open the year. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the match-up from a betting perspective.
The Bears currently stand as four-point favorites against the hapless Redskins. Jay Gruden is still coaching for his job in the US capital. If you want to know how to bet the game, checking out our Statschecker site is an essential preparation step. As usual, we’re here to walk you through five key facts you can find on the site as an appetizer of the main course you can access for free.
- The Redskins hate playing on Monday Night
You will have to forgive Gruden and company if they aren’t exactly excited at the prospect of being featured on Monday Night Football. Washington has lost their last seven games under the bright lights of MNF.
If they want to break the streak they will need to find a way to move the ball consistently against this excellent Chicago defense. The lack of talent on Washington’s offensive line should be a major concern here. Khalil Mack could easily have a field day in this one.
- The Bears love the under
Chicago has a stern defense that can really shut down talented NFL offenses. We’re not entirely sure the Redskins group fits that description. At any rate, that defensive talent has allowed the Bears to hit the under in each of their last seven games.
Don’t expect a ton of offensive fireworks in this one. Matt Nagy can scheme the Bears to some sizable chunk plays, but Mitchell Trubisky is still a limiting factor at quarterback. The Redskins also have one of the league’s most underrated defensive units. It’s up to you to decide how many points you think will go on the board Monday night, but it won’t be a shootout.
- Washington also struggles at home
It’s no secret that the Redskins have struggled under Gruden. What you might not know is just how bad this team has been at home. The road team has managed to cover the spread in each of the team’s last six games.
Clearly, that bodes well for Chicago in this one. Four points is not a spread that should intimidate anyone. The Bears won the NFC North last season. They didn’t forget how to play football instantly in the offseason. They’re an appetizing play on the road due to their stingy defense.
- Chicago is tough on the road
There’s a popular phrase in NFL circles that definitely applies to Chicago. The mantra that “defense travels” often propels the Bears to success away from home. Since 2017, Chicago is 7-4 as road favorites following a victory. For those of you keeping score, the Bears snuck by Denver last week.
- Betting on Washington night is a poor choice
Since 2013, the Redskins have only managed to go 3-8 at home in night games. If you are expecting for Washington to benefit from a frenzied crowd on Monday night you are set up for a massive disappointment. There will be a lot of Bears fans making lots of noise. Don’t be surprised if the crowd appears to be really close to 50/50. Bears fans seem to travel alongside their ravenous defense.
Bet the Bears
We’re fully aware of the fact that Chicago has looked really bad this season. However, that’s only important if you haven’t watched the Redskins play. They’ve looked at least as poor on a weekly basis.
This game sets up as an ideal time for Nagy’s team to get well. Their defense is going to shut down anything Gruden and his coaching staff cook up on offense. Don’t be surprised if you see the Redskins turn to Dwayne Haskins out of desperation in the second half.
That will allow Trubisky and the Chicago offense numerous chances to make big plays. Trubisky isn’t anything close to efficient, but the law of averages is going to take over at some point. The Bears will put up at least 21 points on the back of explosive plays drawn up by Nagy. That should allow Chicago to cover the four points. If you’re feeling frisky, stretch it out to 6.5 to shoot for a little extra cash.