3 Ways To Win Big On Monday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

3 Ways To Win Big On Monday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

Click Here For Steelers vs. Bears MNF Odds

Bears QB Justin Fields, Anytime TD Scorer (+275)

The more Justin Fields plays, the more comfortable he has become using his legs. Fields was locked into the pocket through his first couple of starts as he tried to catch up to NFL speed, but since then, he’s turned more to his running ability to help make things easier on himself.

Over his past three starts, Fields has climbed from six to eight to 10 carries. Fields only had three carries apiece in each of his first three starts. Some of those lower totals early on were due to him trying to settle into the NFL, but the Bears coaching staff is also slowly getting more comfortable calling reads and designed runs for him. Though they could probably still turn the notch up on that a bit, the fact that the coaching staff is starting to call them at all is a good start.

Granted, Fields has only punched in one score since his rushing uptick increased. He dashed to a touchdown last week against the 49ers. The continued rushing volume bodes well for him to make it two games in a row, though. That may especially be true now that the Bears get an extra day to perhaps get some of their best quarterback run calls in order.

Two-Leg Parlay (+350 on DraftKings)

Bears WR Allen Robinson, Under 34.5 Receiving Yards

Something about the Justin Fields to Allen Robinson connection is not there. Despite Fields generally being willing to test windows and give his guys a chance, Fields just has not connected with Robinson very often in his handful of starts. Of course, part of that does have to do with Robinson himself looking a bit sluggish compared to years past, but even still, these two players just do not seem all the way there with each other.

In Fields’ five starts, Robinson has cleared the 34.5-yard mark two times. However, one of those instances was against a putrid Lions defense that made it easier for Fields to sling it around wherever he pleased. It’s hard to imagine it will be as easy for these two to get on the same page against a tough Steelers defense.

Steelers RB Najee Harris, Over 84.5 Rushing Yards

Najee Harris did not start the year the way many were hoping, but he has been integral to the Steelers’ recent three-game win streak. Harris has earned over 20 carries in all three games, earning at least 80 yards in all of those showing. The explosive plays are not there yet, but the offensive line is gelling, offensive coordinator Matt Canada is finding his groove, and Harris himself is running with more confidence and clarity.

The Bears do not have a run defense unit worth getting worried about, either. They started off the year okay but have only gotten worse, in part due to some on-and-off injuries up front. Chicago ranks 24th in run defense DVOA and has allowed over 140 yards rushing in each of their past three games. Maybe Harris does not pop off quite like that, but the 84.5-yard mark feels extremely doable.

Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth, First TD Scorer (+1100)

It has become clear who the best tight end in Pittsburgh is. Rookie second-round pick Pat Freiermuth solidified himself on the pedestal with his four receptions and touchdown grab last week.

Freiermuth was just as impressive the week before, too. The rookie had a breakout performance against the Seahawks, snagging all seven of his targets on the evening for 58 yards. Freiermuth already has a good sense for spacing and has the natural ability to box out or reach over defenders that a starting tight end needs. Pair that with his decent ability as a blocker, and it’s easy to see how Freiermuth will continue to get a healthy helping of the snaps for the Steelers.

Freiermuth is also the Steelers’ best-contested catch option. The other receivers on the roster can do it, but Freiermuth has the size, strength, and strong hands to be their best jump ball type of guy like we saw last week against Cleveland. If that’s what the first scoring drive comes to, Freiermuth has a good shot to be the first to put up points.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears Picks

• Justin Fields, Anytime TD Scorer (+275)
• Pat Freiermuth, First TD Scorer (+1100)
• 2-Leg Parlay (+350) - Najee Harris Over 84.5 Rushing Yards & Allen Robinson Under 34.5 Receiving Yards