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Opening Line in Saints vs Bears Week 8 Matchup Favors New Orleans by 2.5

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NFL Football

Updated Oct 26, 2020 · 8:29 PM PDT

New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will put their three-game winning streak on the line in Week 8 versus the Chicago Bears. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire.
  • The  New Orleans Saints (4-2) visit the Chicago Bears (5-2) in Week 8 (Nov. 1, 4:25 pm EST)
  • New Orleans opened up as a 2.5-point road favorite
  • Read below for analysis on which way the line will move ahead of kickoff

You could argue that the New Orleans Saints are one of the weakest 4-2 teams in the NFC. New Orleans has beaten just one team with a winning record, and have a measly +6 point differential. That’s lower than every other NFC team with at least four wins, and 74 points less than division rival Tampa Bay.

The Saints latest victory, 27-24 over the Carolina Panthers, extended their winning streak to three-games, and they’ll look to extend that mark in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears (Nov. 1, 4:25 pm EST).

Saints vs Bears Opening Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
New Orleans Saints -2.5 (-128) -158 OTB
Chicago Bears +2.5 (+104) +134 OTB

Odds taken Oct. 26th at FanDuel.

New Orleans opened up as a 2.5-point favorite over Chicago, with the juice heavily shaded towards the Saints’ side. The Bears meanwhile, were smashed by the Los Angeles Rams 24-10 on Monday Night Football.

New Orleans Marches On

The most impressive thing about New Orleans’ 4-2 record, has been their ability to overcome injuries to key skill position players. Reigning receiving king Michael Thomas hasn’t played since Week 1, and on Sunday they were also without Emmanuel Sanders due to a positive COVID-19 test.

In their absences, rookie Marquez Callaway stepped up to pace the Saints passing attack versus the Panthers. He hauled in 8 catches, for 75 yards on a team-high 10 targets. Looking like a young Marques Coltson, and wearing the same number to boot, Callaway converted four first down and gave the Carolina secondary fits all game.

Alvin Kamara chipped in 85 yards on the ground and another 63 through the air, crossing 100-yards from scrimmage for the fifth straight week. He also became just the fourth running back since 1950 with at least 450 receiving yards through his team’s first six games.

Sanders won’t be eligible to return until after Week 8, while Thomas’ status is unknown. Until they return, opposing teams should expect a heavy dose of Kamara and now potentially Callaway as well.

Bears Go Down

Chicago entered play in Week 7 with the 26th ranked offense by DVOA, and that ranking now seems generous given their most recent performance. The Bears racked up just 14 first downs and 279 yards of offense, while their lone touchdown came from their defense.

Nick Foles threw for only 261 yards, was picked off twice and took four sacks. He’s now thrown five interceptions in his last four games, and has as many INT’s and TD passes this season.

David Montgomery meanwhile, was held to 48 yards on the ground and is averaging a measly 3.7 yards per carry.

This type of performance probably shouldn’t come as a surprise as the Chicago has failed to exceed 23 points in four straight games.

Line Heading in Saints’ Favor

With the juice already shaded so heavily towards New Orleans, it’s only a matter of time before this number reaches 3. At that point, there’s not much reason to believe there will be a buy back on Chicago given how they looked in Week 7, however things could change if it reaches 3.5.

If you want to get on the Saints do so quickly. You won’t see a better price all week.

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