Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts odds, picks and best bets
The Chicago Bears (0-2) take the short road trip down Interstate 65 to face the Indianapolis Colts (0-2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in the capital of the Hoosier State Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
These two teams haven't met since Aug. 22, 2015 when the Bears took care of the Colts by a 23-11 count in Indianapolis, covering as 3 1/2-point underdogs as the 'under' cashed. The Bears also won the previous preseason meeting on Aug. 20, 2007 by a 27-24 score as the line pushed.
Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts: Preseason Week 3 game preview, betting trends and notes
- The Bears have been poor on both sides of the ball through two preseason games. They're 31st in the NFL in total yards per game (208.5) and rushing yards (58.0), while also ranking 31st in points allowed (27.5 PPG).
- Bears TE Trey Burton (hernia) and WR Anthony Miller (ankle) are question marks heading into the third preseason game and beyond due to injuries.
- Chicago has scored 13 points in each of the two preseason games, while allowing a total of 55 points. The Bears are not only 0-2 SU, but 0-2 ATS with the 'over' 2-0.
Win. Your. Fantasy. League.
- Indianapolis has also failed to find a lot of rhythm on offense, posting 17.0 PPG while going 0-2 SU/ATS.
- Colts WRs Deon Cain (knee) and Parris Campbell (hamstring) have been banged up, while TE Jack Doyle (kidney) and RB Jordan Wilkins (foot) are also on the shelf.
- Indianapolis star signal caller Andrew Luck (leg) is considered a huge question mark for the regular-season opener, so Jacoby Brissett is likely to see extensive work.
- The Colts have able to move the ball, ranking ninth in total yards (348.0) and fifth in passing yards (259.0), but they have managed just 17.0 PPG to check in 21st.
Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via Play MGM; access Paste BN Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Aug. 24 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern.
Prediction
Colts 19, Bears 14
Moneyline ( ?)
The Colts (-150) aren't worth the small payday. If you're feeling Indy, take them against the spread. The Bears (+125) are short 'dogs mainly because they haven't been able to move the ball at all this preseason.
Against the Spread ( ?)
The Colts (-2.5, -120) are the play here. They have showed a solid ability to move the ball, they have just struggled with red-zone efficiency. The Bears (+2.5, +100) will see a steady diet of Brissett and the No. 1 offense, as Indy tries to figure out a plan in case Luck isn't available for the opener.
Over/Under ( ?)
The projected total of 37 might be a smidge high with how Chicago has moved the ball on offense. The Colts will help give the 'over' a run, but the UNDER (-110) is the sensible play here based on the struggles of the Bears.
Follow Joe on Twitter @ JoeWilliamsVI and follow SportsbookWire at @ SportsbookWire.
MORE:
Jalen Hurts solidifies spot as a Heisman favorite with another monster game
Where Ad Astra went right and where it went very wrong
These ridiculous Tom Brady stats are the only preview you need for Patriots vs. Bills
Draymond Green tried to bluff a poker pro and lost everything
Wisconsin, Northwestern wore throwback uniforms, and college football fans hated them