Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints Odds

The Chicago Bears head to New Orleans in Week 2 looking to build on an impressive performance against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints, meanwhile, are hoping to bounce back following a loss to the reigning Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

Odds makers have given the Saints the edge at home Sunday. They are currently listed as a seven-point favorite with the total set at 47.0.

The Bears won the NFC North in 2010 and advanced to the NFC title before losing to the Packers. Plenty of experts felt the Bears overachieved last season and expected them to come back to earth this year. Chicago wasted no time quieting any doubters by clubbing the Atlanta Falcons, who had the best record in the NFC last season, 30-12.

Many believe the Saints are one of the top Super Bowl contenders, but they proved they still have some work to do following a 42-34 loss to the Packers. A fumble deep in their own territory early, which led to a touchdown, and failing to convert from the one-yard line on the last play of the game, kept the Saints from opening the season on a winning note.

Chicago has had New Orleans’ number. The Bears are 4-0 straight up and 3-0-1 against the spread in the last four meetings in the series. These teams last met on Dec. 12, 2008 with the Bears winning 27-24 at home.

The Chicago stop unit was one of the best in the league in 2010, ranking fourth with 17.9 points allowed per game. The defense was as good as advertised Sunday, holding Atlanta without an offensive touchdown and forcing three turnovers.

Turnovers held the Saints back last season, and their lone turnover against the Packers played a part in the loss. Turnovers are also a big reason why Chicago has won four in a row in the series. The Saints have a total of 13 giveaways in those contests.

Besides hanging onto the football, the key to a New Orleans victory figures to be its passing attack. The Bears were susceptible to the pass last season, ranking 20th in the league with 224.2 yards allowed per game, and they allowed Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan to complete 66.0 percent of his throws for 319 yards last week.

Chicago’s pass defense could, however, catch a bit of a break with Saints’ top wideout Marques Colston out with a broken collarbone.

New Orleans ranked fourth in the league against the pass in 2010 with only 193.9 yards allowed per game, but you wouldn’t know it if you watched Aaron Rodgers complete 77.1 percent of his passes for 312 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 1.

Jay Cutler is no Rodgers, but he did play well last week, completing 68.8 percent of his attempts for 312 yards with two touchdown strikes and an interception.

Chicago’s passing offense could take a hit if Roy Williams isn’t able to go. Williams, who caught four passes for 55 yards Sunday, could miss this week’s game with a groin injury.

Jimmy Boyd was a perfect 3-0 with his NFL premium picks last Sunday.  Be sure to join him again this week for a full slate of highly rated premium picks!