O)ne of the most intriguing matchups in Week 1 is the Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears — at least when it comes to placing the bets. Both teams come into the season with plenty of storylines, and this game is bound to set the tone for what's to come.
Whether you're a fan of either team or just love betting on football, there’s plenty to consider when it comes to loading up your bet slip with this game.
This matchup features two teams that are in different phases of development.
The Chicago Bears, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, are hoping to start the season on a high note at home.
On the other side, the Tennessee Titans are entering a new era after moving on from several key veterans.
The bookmakers have the Bears at -4, and it’s easy to see why. The Bears have a strong defense that’s expected to challenge the Titans’ revamped offense, which is still adjusting to the loss of star running back Derrick Henry.
Tennessee’s success will largely depend on how quickly their new offensive pieces can gel. On top of that, they’ll have to see whether their defense, bolstered by offseason additions like L’Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie, can hold up against Williams.
There are a lot of variables in this game but that’s what makes it ripe for the betting. Getting an edge on these variables might seem like a challenge, but it’s also that way for the bookmakers as well.
The game is being played at Soldier Field, a venue that can be tough for any opponent, especially with the Bears' passionate fan base. If you’ve followed the Bears in the offseason, then you know that the fans will go nuts when Williams takes the field. With a 10 a.m. MST kickoff, both teams will need to be sharp from the start.
Prop bets are some of our favorites, and when you have a game like this, you can’t help but throw some money down. Whether you’re a fan of the Titans or the Bears, there are plenty of props that can get you closer to the action.
Caleb Williams passing touchdowns. As a rookie making his NFL debut, Caleb Williams will be the focal point of Chicago’s offense. Given that he’s been touted as the next big thing in the NFL, betting on Williams to throw for at least two touchdowns seems like a solid bet. With the over/under on his TDs at 1.5, we think you can easily walk away a winner with this bet.
Tennessee Titans total points. The over/under for total points is set at 45, which reflects some uncertainty about how potent these offenses will be. Betting on Tennessee’s total points could be interesting. If you think the Bears' defense will stifle the Titans, taking the under on Tennessee’s total points at 24.5 might be the right move. On the other hand, if you believe Tennessee’s offense will surprise, the over could pay off.
Anytime touchdown scorer. This prop bet is always popular, and it offers good value if you pick the right player. For the Bears, wide receiver DJ Moore at +160 is a solid choice. Many analysts expect him to be one of Williams' top targets. For the Titans, keep an eye on Tony Pollard at +155, who’s now the main man in their backfield. He’s got the ability to score both on the ground and through the air.
There’s no shortage of prop bets for this game, but these are some of our favorites.
Before you head over to your favorite sportsbook to load up your bet slip, be sure to check out some of the bonus offers sportsbooks are offering for Week 1 of the NFL season. There’s plenty to go around whether you’re in Tennessee or Illinois.
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These are the best sportsbooks in the industry and have the best bonus offers. You’re not limited to any single bonus, so be sure to take advantage of all of them.
You’ve got the bonus, and maybe you’ve already placed a few bets. Know it’s time to sit back and watch the game.
Several key factors could determine the outcome of this game.
First and foremost, keep an eye on Caleb Williams. He’s the biggest variable on the field. How he handles the pressure of his first NFL game will be not just for this game but also for future lines and odds. If he can avoid turnovers and manage the game well, the Bears will be in a strong position to win and will give the bookmakers confidence in the Bears going forward.
On the other side, Tennessee’s offense will be interesting to watch. Without Derrick Henry, the Titans will need their new offensive weapons to step up. Tony Pollard, now the lead back, will be under the spotlight, as will wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who could provide a spark if the Titans decide to air it out. It’ll be interesting to see what strategy they go with against the potent Bears' defense.
Finally, the defenses of both teams will play a big role. Chicago’s defense is expected to be strong, but Tennessee’s secondary improvements we think will be the key to limiting Williams’ success. If Tennessee’s defense can create turnovers or force Chicago into long third downs, they might keep the game close enough to cover the spread or even pull off an upset.
The Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears game is shaping up to be an exciting start to the NFL season. It might not be the biggest story of the week, but with the developments of both of these teams during the off season, we think it’ll be worth watching and definitely worth betting on.
Whether you’re betting on the spread, the moneyline, or diving into some of the prop bets we mentioned, there are plenty of opportunities to win. With Chicago favored and a lot of unknowns on both sides, this game has the potential to surprise everyone.
Don't forget to use any available bonuses to get the most out of this kickoff weekend.
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