Seattle (0-1) at Chicago (0-1)
When: Monday, September 17th 2018
Where: Soldier Field,
Chicago, Illinois
Time: 8:15 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Chicago -2.5/43
Two teams that absorbed tough Week 1 losses will square-off on ESPN’s Monday Night Football in hopes of evening their record as the Seattle Seahawks visit the Chicago Bears. Khalil Mack will make his Solider Field debut after a solid opener at Green Bay last week, but the Bears allowed Aaron Rodgers to orchestrate an epic comeback in the 24-23 setback at Lambeau Field. The newly acquired Mack made his presence felt immediately, recording two tackles, one sack, one forced fumbled and intercepted a ball for touchdown. His time on the field will increase as he learns the playbook which isn’t good news for the rest of the NFC North. The Seahawks dropped a tough 27-24 decision to the Broncos last week and offensive line problems continue for this team. Russell Wilson was sacked six times in the game, and only managed to rush for five total yards. Seattle rushed for only 64 yards as a team led by Chris Carson with 51, recorded just 13 first downs, and were 2-for-12 on third down conversions. These two teams haven’t played each other since 2015 when Seattle shutout the Bears 26-0. Chicago is 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall, 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games, and 6-2 ATS in their last eight games played on Monday night. The game opened with the Bears as 2.5-point favorites, but has since been bet up to 4.5 with a total of 43.
Wilson was under pressure against Denver’s defense all afternoon and finished 19-of-33 for 298 yards with three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Seattle lost a key part of the passing game when No. 1 wideout Doug Baldwin suffered a sprained MCL in the contest, leaving Wilson with veteran Brandon Marshall and speedster Tyler Lockett, who each had a touchdown reception. The Seahawks had no choice but to go out and sign linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who pleaded guilty last week to charges of inside trading. Seattle is thin at linebacker, with K.J. Wright (knee) and Bobby Wagner (groin) both sitting out practice on Friday.
Mack, who was acquired from Oakland and signed to a record six-year, $141 million contract prior to the season opener, helped Chicago record four sacks and will set their sights on the struggling Seattle offensive line. Running back Jordan Howard continues to be an underrated star in the league and got off to a solid start against Green Bay by rushing for 82 yards on 15 carries and adding five receptions for 25 yards. Second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (22-of-35) threw for only 171 yards, and his top target was Allen Robinson (4 catches, 61 yards). Trubisky has recorded three TD passes, zero interceptions and a 95.6 passer rating in his last four home games.
All signs point to Chicago in this game with the injuries and offensive line woes for Seattle, but you still have to count on Trubisky beating you. Seattle’s defense is not the same as it was during their Super Bowl runs, but they still have some playmakers. If Seattle can just protect Wilson a little better – which I think they will – he’ll be able to keep this game within a field goal.
Pick: Seahawks +4.5
Betting Trends:
- Seahawks are 4-1-2 ATS in their last 7 road games.
- Seahawks are 10-3-2 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up loss.
- Seahawks are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 Monday games.
- Seahawks are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Seahawks are 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.
- Seahawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 2.
- Seahawks are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 games in September.
- Seahawks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
- Bears are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
- Bears are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Monday games.
- Bears are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
- Bears are 17-39-1 ATS in their last 57 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Bears are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC.
- Bears are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games in September.
- Bears are 5-16-1 ATS in their last 22 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 2.
- Under is 6-1 in Seahawks last 7 games in Week 2.
- Over is 4-1 in Seahawks last 5 games overall.
- Under is 9-3 in Seahawks last 12 vs. NFC.
- Under is 5-2 in Seahawks last 7 road games.
- Under is 5-2 in Seahawks last 7 Monday games.
- Under is 5-2 in Seahawks last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
- Under is 4-0 in Bears last 4 games following a ATS win.
- Under is 6-1 in Bears last 7 games overall.
- Under is 5-1 in Bears last 6 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
- Under is 9-2 in Bears last 11 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- Under is 4-1 in Bears last 5 vs. a team with a losing record.
- Under is 4-1 in Bears last 5 Monday games.
- Under is 4-1 in Bears last 5 games following a straight up loss.
- Under is 4-1 in Bears last 5 vs. NFC.
- Over is 4-1 in Bears last 5 games in Week 2.
- Under is 6-2 in Bears last 8 home games.
- Under is 5-2 in Bears last 7 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
- Over is 13-6 in Bears last 19 games in September.
- Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
- Over is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
- Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
- Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Chicago.
