Chicago just dropped a mind-blowing 59 points last Sunday against Carolina, putting up a performance that screamed “we’re for real!” The Panthers even averaged 7.7 yards per play and still got smoked, scoring 37 points and still losing by a mile. You’d think after a game like that, everyone would be singing Chicago’s praises, especially with FOX Sports ranking them third in their power ratings, right behind our Seahawks and the Broncos. But pump the brakes, because if you talk to the pros, they’re not quite buying into the hype, especially when it comes to the other side of the ball.
That Bears Defense Has Some Explaining To Do
Look, the offense might be cooking, with one pro bettor saying “Third-best offense maybe,” but he also shot straight: “You can’t be the third-best team with that defense.” Oof. He’s not wrong. Even against a “below-average offense” like Carolina’s, the Bears’ secondary looked shaky, and the pass rush was barely there. This guy said the Bears’ defense “made Bryce Young look great,” and that’s not exactly a compliment when you score 59 points. Ed Salmons, a retired bookmaker, has them way down at eighth, behind teams like the Rams, Ravens, and Bills, though he admits there’s “room for growth.” The offensive fireworks are undeniable, but that defense is a huge question mark that could hold them back.
Caleb Williams Is a Certified Star
While the defense is getting roasted, Caleb Williams is absolutely living up to the hype. Caesars Sportsbook head of football, Joey Feazel, said Williams “showed why he entered the season as one of the league’s brightest stars,” and that the Bears “looked every bit the part offensively against Carolina.” The market reaction has been strong, with Chicago’s lookahead line moving two points in their favor week over week. Williams’ performance is so electric, he’s already got the third-shortest NFL MVP odds at multiple sportsbooks. Those preseason prices of 15 and 16-to-1 are long gone, and it’s clear the league is taking notice. Feazel still says they need to “sustain this level of play over several weeks” before we can make a confident distinction about the team, but man, Williams is making a serious case.
Ohio’s College Football Injury Nightmare
Switching gears to college ball, Ohio is in deep trouble with injuries. Both QB1 Nick Poulos and QB2 Matt Vezza are banged up, and their RB1 Duncan Brune also left Saturday’s game injured. Sources say Poulos is doubtful for this Saturday’s game against South Alabama, and Vezza is questionable. The betting lines tell the story: South Alabama started at -4.5 and is now painted -7 everywhere. Chris Andrews, director at South Point sportsbook, moved his line from -5 to -6 as soon as he heard the injury rumblings, because as he says, “these guys don’t wait for news to break, they just bet.” If both quarterbacks are eventually ruled out, that line is going to soar past a touchdown. It’s going to be brutal for Ohio heading into Saturday against South Alabama, and you know the “vultures” in Vegas are just waiting to pounce on an even bigger line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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