Football odds handicappers will have a due or die scenario for the New York Giants as they host the Chicago Bears on NBC Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:25 PM and Sbgglobal opened with the Giants as 3.5 point home favorites and with an over/under of 44.5.
In the Hole
The Giants started off the season on the right foot and looked dominant with a 31-18 home win and payout over the Carolina Panthers. But Carolina is now 0-3 and the win has lost its luster since that day. Worse yet, the Giants were embarrassed in a 38-14 defeat at Indianapolis in week 2 on Sunday Night Football and followed that up with a 29-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans last week as 3 point home favorites to fall to an overall record of 1-2 both straight up and with the NFL betting lines. While the Giants are only 1 game behind first place Philadelphia they do not want to fall into a 1-3 hole when you consider the negativity that would cause in New York City after last year’s second half collapse.
Shaky Footing
The Giants came into training camp this year with a loss of credibility as their horrible play in the last half of 2008 caused them to fall to an 8-8 record after winning the Super Bowl in 2008 and making the playoffs in 2009. The New York media and fan base already smelling blood is circling the waters for head coach Tom Coughlin, who again is on the hot seat after dodging the hangman once before in 2006.
Monsters of the Midway
The Chicago Bears have combined improved play with a good share of luck to stand at 3-0 straight up and 2-1 with the football odds. The Bears enjoyed a 20-17 win over arch rival Green Bay last Monday night as 3 point home dogs as their special teams and 18 Green Bay penalties proved to be the difference.
Jay Cutting It
Quarterback Jay Cutler is having a nice comeback season after a rough opening year as the Bears starter in 2009. Cutler has taken well to new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and has been a key asset with the NFL betting lines as he has a 109.7 quarterback rating with 9.6 yards per attempt and a 6/2 touchdown/interception ratio.