While there was plenty of hype surrounding the Chicago Bears and 2024 No. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams heading into last season, it ended in futility.
The Bears started 4-2 before a Week 7 bye, but lost on a Hail Mary in Week 8 at the Washington Commanders to begin a 10-game losing streak. Chicago crawled to a 5-12 record, finishing last in an extremely difficult NFC North division that sent three double-digit-win teams to the postseason. The Bears weren’t great to bettors, either, going 8-7-2 against the spread and going under their season win total of 8.5.
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But after a strong free agency and NFL Draft, bettors are again backing Chicago to exceed expectations: The Bears are the team with the most bets among all 32 NFL teams at BetMGM to go over their win total of 8.5.
Over 90% of the bets are on the over for the Bears at BetMGM, along with 69% of the total dollars wagered.
“The Bears fit the mold of what we typically see from an improving team [QB in second year when there is usually improvement, combined with a new coach and better offense],” Christian Cipollini, BetMGM NFL trader, told Yahoo Sports. “They’re a team expected to make a jump.”
After Williams was sacked 68 times (third most in NFL history), upgrading the offensive line was a big offseason priority. The Bears signed center Drew Dalman and traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to help protect their QB.
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The Bears received a B for their draft grade from Yahoo Sports after adding Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second round — along with Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo in Round 2.
With a strong defense and more additions on offense, the Bears expect Williams to take another step forward in Year 2.
Bettors are in agreement.
This news was originally published on this post .
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