Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford. (Getty)
The Chicago Bears open their 2016 home schedule at Soldier Field tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern and the game will be televised by ESPN.
Here’s a complete look at all the betting info you need to know, as well as a prediction of the Week 2 game:
Bears vs. Eagles Week 2 Betting Info
Note: All odds and numbers courtesy of OddsShark.com and are updated as of September 19
Spread: Bears (-3)
Betting Percentages: 52 percent for Bears (-3)
Over/Under: 42.5
Betting Percentages: 60 percent on Over 42.5
Week 1 Results: Bears lost straight up, lost against the spread, and the Under won; Eagles won straight up, won against the spread, and the Under won
Prediction
Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz looked the part of a No. 2 overall pick in his debut, throwing for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns in a Week 1 blowout win over the Browns.
He had his down moments, namely struggling a bit with accuracy (completed 22 of 37 passes) and ball security (2 fumbles, but none lost). But overall it was a positive start to his career.
Wentz targeted wide receiver Jordan Matthews 14 times, connecting on 7 for 114 yards and a score. Wentz, though, will be without another top target, tight end Zach Ertz, who will miss the game with a rib injury. That hurts. Definitely for Ertz, and Wentz, who will need as many weapons as possible at his disposal when going up against veteran defensive coaches John Fox and Vic Fangio of the Bears. They’ll be ready for Wentz.
The Eagles can’t put it all on Wentz’s shoulders and need to get a running game established with Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner.
As for the Bears, Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery looked to be close to midseason form, hooking up 4 times for 91 yards in the opening loss to Houston. The Eagles will be without one of their top defensive backs in Leodis McKelvin, so Jeffery — as well as Kevin White and Eddie Royal — should busy again as Philadelphia’s secondary is extremely thin right now.
Expect the Bears to force Wentz into some mistakes and find early success in the passing game. Chicago will also employ a heavy dose of running back Jeremy Langford, who had 17 carries in Week 1.
In the end, Fox, Mangio and a good-enough Bears offense gets the W in a lower-scoring home opener.
The Pick: Bears 24-16 (Bears win straight up, Bears cover the spread, the Under wins)
