You can tell the Chicago Bears think Justin Fields has grown into becoming their franchise quarterback. The Bears aren’t playing him in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.
With Fields on the sidelines, and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson expected to play for Indianapolis, the betting line for this NFL Week 2 Preseason contest has shifted toward the Colts. As we look at Bears vs. Colts odds, props, and predictions on Saturday morning, Indianapolis is priced as a 4.5- to 5.5-point favorite, up from -3.5 earlier in the week.
Richardson has been named the starter for Week 1 of the regular season.
Also read: How Sharp Bettors Approach Preseason | NFL Week 2 Picks & Parlays | Cowboys vs. Seahawks odds, props | Saints vs. Chargers odds, props
NFL Week 2 Preseason Odds: Bears vs. Colts Spread, Moneyline & Total
Here are Bears vs. Colts odds from the top-rated sports betting apps. In addition to the spread moving in the Colts’ direction, the total has been bet down from a 41 opener.
Both coaching staffs are inexperienced. The Bears’ Matt Eberflus is starting his second season. Shane Steichen is in his first year as a head coach anywhere. Steichen was the Eagles’ offensive coordinator the past two seasons.
Chicago opened the preseason with a 23-17 victory over the visiting Titans. Indianapolis lost at Buffalo, 23-19.
Bears vs. Colts: Betting Trends
- Against the Spread: Bears are 1-0. Colts are 0-1
- Against the Moneyline: Bears are 1-0. Colts are 0-1.
- Both teams’ games went Over the total last week.
- Bears on the road in 2022: 1-7.
- Colts at home in 2022: 2-6
Players to Watch
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had an impressive debut against the Bills, despite average statistics.
“He’s showed great signs of improvement,” Steichen told reporters. “I like the things he’s done, and it’s an opportunity for him now to get a lot more reps with the ones [first-stringers] going forward.”
- Richardson went 7-for-12 for 67 passing yards and an interception last week against the Bills. He finished with an 80.4 QB rating.
- Colts running back Deon Jackson ran the ball six times for 35 yards (5.8 per carry) last week.
- Colts backup quarterback Gardner Minshew was 6-for-6 for 72 yards last week.
- Bears quarterback Nathan Peterman went 4-for-6 for 58 yards against the Titans last week.
- Bears receiver D.J. Moore caught one pass for 62 yards and a touchdown last week.
Stats to Watch
- The Bears threw the ball 38 percent of the time (376 pass attempts in 990 plays) last season — lowest in the NFL. The league average is 53 percent.
- The Bears had the lowest percentage of first downs through the air last season — 43 percent (109 of 256). The league average is 62 percent.
- The Bears defense allowed first downs on 49 percent of third-down plays last season, worst in the NFL. The league average is 39 percent.
- The Colts had 32 turnovers last season, the most in the NFL.
- The Colts led the league in three-and-outs in the first quarter last season with 18.
Bears at Colts Prediction
The game might be difficult to pick given the uncertainty of Richardson’s availability. Both teams showed strong defenses last week. While money has driven the total down, we’re still seeing some value on Under 37.5.
The Bears traditionally have a strong defense and that includes recently and throughout their history. The Colts have one of the NFL’s best defensive minds in Gus Bradley.
Prediction: Colts 20, Bears 13
Bears vs. Colts Props
The preseason props bet menu is light for this game, but here’s a sampling from FanDuel and BetRivers.
Winning Margin (Fan Duel)
- Chicago Bears by 1-13 (+210)
- Chicago Bears by 14+ (+700)
- Indianapolis Colts by 1-13 (+145)
- Indianapolis Colts by 14+ (+270)
Game Combo: Moneyline + Total (BetRivers)
- Colts and Under 37.5 +190
- Colts and Over 37.5 +1800
- Bears and Under 37.5 +370
- Bears and Over 37.5 +360
Game Combo: Point Spread + Total (BetRivers)
- Colts -4.5 and Under 37.5 +235
- Colts -4.5 and Over 37.5 +265
- Bears +4.5 and Under 37.5 +250
- Bears +4.5 and Over 37.5 +260
Colts Futures Odds
- To win the AFC: +8000 (Caesars)
- To win the AFC South: +700 (Caesars)
- Regular season win total: +6.5, -115 (PointsBet)
Jonathan Taylor MVP odds +15000 (DraftKings)
One note about Taylor, if you’re thinking about placing a bet on his MVP chances. He’s had a rough offseason. He asked for a trade, then spent last week away from the team to continue his rehab on an ankle injury. He left the team on Wednesday, and the Colts released this statement: “Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, however he had a personal matter arise. He is not currently with the team and his absence is excused.”
Bears Futures Odds
- Regular season win total: +7.5, -130 (BetMGM)
Betting the Bears over +7.5 could be a solid bet with the Bears. Chicago only won three games last year but Fields’ continued improvement and a last-place schedule could lead to a winning season.
- To win NFC North: +400 (BetMGM)
- To win NFC: +2800 (BetMGM)
How to Watch: Bears at Colts
- Saturday, Aug. 19: Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts, 7 p.m. EDT
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
- Where to Watch: NFL Network
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