Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears (-1), Total 37 |
Cleveland has dropped consecutive games SU and ATS since winning its preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers (27-17). The Browns have been out-gained by 176 combined yards in losses to the Detroit Lions (30-28) and Philadelphia Eagles (24-14).
The big news around camp recently was the seven-year, $84 million contract that left tackle Joe Thomas signed. He will be in charge of protecting the quarterback’s blind side for years to come.
Running back Peyton Hillis ran for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago and will be widely know in 2011 as the NFL player lucky enough to grace the cover of Madden 2012.
Chicago dropped consecutive road games since defeating the Buffalo Bills in the preseason opener at Soldier Field, but head coach Lovie Smith is pleased with the team’s progress.
The Bears have been focusing on offensive line play for most of the exhibition season and it’s starting to pay off in a big way. In last week’s 14-13 loss to Tennessee, Chicago ran for 148 yards on 35 carries.
“I felt the protection was pretty good for the second week in a row,” commented Smith. “The offensive line, they’re playing together and we see progress being made.”
Bettors will likely back the Bears due to their 3-1 ATS record as home favorites of three points or less during the preseason, while the Browns are 1-3 ATS on the road when getting a field goal or less.
