Packers win outright as 3.5-point underdog in season opener

Editor’s update: The Green Bay Packers won the NFL’s annual Thursday kickoff game, beating the Chicago Bears by a final score of 10-3. Sometimes the score is not entirely indicative of how a game went. I can safely say the game was just about what a 10-3 final score might be. Aaron Rodgers struggled out of the gate, but a big second quarter was enough to get the only lead they needed. Mitchell Trubisky struggled to get on track, and while Allen Robinson had a big performance, it was not enough to get the Bears in the end zone.

The Packers were a 3.5-point underdog in this one, and won this one outright. The point total was 46.5, and this game never even threatened it. Among the notable prop bets, Allen Robinson going over 4.5 receptions was the only one of the four to hit. He finished the game with seven receptions and 102 receiving yards. Jimmy Graham scored the only touchdown, so if you grabbed him in a touchdown prop bet, well done!

The now 1-0 Packers host the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. It starts a stretch where the Packers play five home games in six weeks. The 0-1 Bears have a two-game road trip coming up, first in Denver and then in Washington.

What is normally a game reserved for the reigning Super Bowl champions, the 100th NFL season will instead open with a classic rivalry. The Chicago Bears welcome the Green Bay Packers in an NFC North matchup. Judging off of last season, the Bears have the upper hand. But with a new head coach, Matt LaFleur, and a two-season hiatus from the playoffs, the Packers look to start their season off trending in a positive direction.

Chicago is the better team. Its defense was its strength last season, giving up the fewest total points of any team defense. This season, the Bears are focused on improving their previously 21st-ranked offense. Mitchell Trubisky (DFS salary $11,600) trended upwards in every stat category from his first season to his second, and with the addition of rookie RB David Montgomery ($8,200) the Bears offense should open up a bit more than it did with Jordan Howard in the backfield. On the other side, the Packers may not have brought in any intriguing players on offense, but they’ll be operating in a new system. Aaron Jones ($9,200) may have a tough time against Khalil Mack and the Bears D-Line, so I expect Aaron Rodgers ($12,400) to turn to Davante Adams ($12,600 and most expensive on the DK Showdown slate) and, yes, Jimmy Graham ($4,600.)

These two teams kicked off their year against each other last season. Green Bay won 24-23, scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, all from Rodgers’ arm. I wouldn’t expect a miraculous comeback like that to happen again, but I’m predicting the Packers will cover the +3.5 point spread thanks to multiple TD throws from the future Hall-of-Famer.

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

Packers at Bears

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Packers +3.5
Total Points: 46.5
Moneyline: Home +150; Away -182

Records

Overall 2018: Packers 6-9-1; Bears 12-5
ATS 2018: Packers 6-9-1; Bears 12-5
O/U 2018: Packers 8-8; Bears 8-9

Notable Prop Bets

Packers:

• Davante Adams to score a TD: -106
• Aaron Rodgers to score 2+ TDs: +9000

Bears:

• David Montgomery to score TD: +120
• Allen Robinson II to go over 4.5 receptions: +110

Betting Trends

• The Packers have lost each of their last eight road games against NFC opponents.
• The Bears have covered the spread in each of their last five night games.
• Each of the Packers’ last six road openers have gone OVER the total points line.
• Davante Adams has scored the first touchdown in three of his last seven outings.
• Davante Adams has scored at least one touchdown in each of the Packers’ last three night games against the Bears.
• Tarik Cohen has scored a touchdown in each of the Bears’ last three games against NFC North opponents.
• Anthony Miller has scored a touchdown in six of the Bears’ last nine regular season games as favorites.
• Aaron Jones has scored at least one touchdown in five of his last six outings.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
*21+. NJ/WV only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See website for details.