Two NFC division leaders meet in the penultimate week of the NFL season with every intention of sealing that precious playoff berth.
Despite last week’s setback, the Eagles remain in the driver’s seat atop the NFC East and control their own playoff fate: win and they’re in. Meanwhile, the Bears — due to losing both games against the Lions — still need to win their remaining two games and hope Detroit falters in one of theirs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears Betting Preview
When: December 22, 2013, 8:30 PM ET [sc:NFL240banner ]
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Odds:
*As of December 16, 2013
Money: Bears (+140) vs. Eagles (-160)
Spread: Bears (+3) vs. Eagles (-3)
Totals: 56.0
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ five-game winning streak came to a screeching halt at Minnesota as they lost 48-30 to a Vikings team minus Adrian Peterson. Even without the league’s second leading rusher, Philadelphia’s defense still allowed four rushing touchdowns – three by the previously unheard-of Matt Asiata. Matt Cassel torched the Eagles in the air for 382 yards and 2 TDs.
This was a surprisingly awful defensive performance from an Eagles team that had held opposing offenses to 21 points or under in its last nine games.
Nick Foles continued his solid play with a career-high 428 yards and 3 TDs in a losing effort, although he did throw an interception for the second week in a row after nine consecutive INT-free games. The NFL’s leading rusher LeSean McCoy had his worst game of the season with just 8 carries for 38 yards; he’ll look to bounce back against the Bears’ dead-last run defense (157 yards/game).
Thanks to the Cowboys’ epic meltdown against the Packers, Philadelphia maintains its one-game lead in the NFC East with their Week 17 showdown looming.
Will the Eagles maintain their consistent road form? Philly is 7-3 ATS and the OVER is 8-2 in its last 10 road games. Bet now on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Betting on the Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler made a winning return to the starting line-up as the Chicago Bears won back-to-back games for the first time since the first month of the season. Cutler had two interceptions, but he still completed 71% of his passes for 265 yards and 3 TDs, including two key scores in their fourth quarter comeback against the Browns on Sunday. [sc:NFL240banner ]
All-purpose running back Matt Forte –4th in the NFL in rushing (1,073 yards) and 2nd among RBs in receiving (65 catches) – had his third straight 100+ yard running game after he posted 127 yards against the Browns. He also broke 100 total yards for the eighth time in the last nine games.
More good news: the dreadful Chicago run defense finally held a team to less than 100 yards rushing as the 28th ranked Browns gained only 93 yards. They had allowed over 100 rushing yards in eight straight games (and 198 yards or more in five of those games) even though four of those eight opponents are ranked 20th and below in rushing.
The bad news is that they face the #1 running offense next week against the Eagles.
Can Chicago keep its neck ahead of the NFC North race? Da Bears are 5-2 SU in their last 7 home games. Bet now on the Chicago Bears.
Bet on the Dallas Cowboys now.
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