Analysis:It is interesting that this line is at -4 or -4.5 because I believe if you just went off of pure power ratings, you would have San Diego favored by 3.. and this tells me that the oddsmaker knows The Chargers are a better team that what the casual observer may see with this team.. and I agree with the oddsmaker.
Despite just a 2-and-6 record and owners of a 4-game losing streak, The Chargers have outyarded 7-of their opponents this season. To do that and still be 2-and-6 is an anomaly. Part of the reason for this is what Phillip Rivers has been doing through the air as he leads the league in passing yards - going into Sunday - and is the 7th highest rated QB in the league. Tonight he faces a defense that he ought to be able to exploit as Chicago ranks in the bottom half of the league against the run. They are stout against the pass but 4-out of their last 5-opponents were not high profile passing offenses led by Russell Wilson, Alex Smith, Matthew Stafford, and Teddy Bridgewater. Tonight they step up in class against Rivers and with their poor rushing defense, being able to move the ball on the ground should open up things even further for Rivers through the air.
San Diego has dropped 2-straight at home and they have to be ready to right that ship tonight in front of the home crowd. In fact, they are 10-and-1 ATS as a Monday Night home favorite when they own a losing record, going against a non-division opponent. The Bears on the other hand, have dropped 2-straight division games, both of which they led with less than 8-minutes to go in regulation. Furthermore, Chicago has lost 6-of its last 7-road games and have done so by an average margin of 20-points per game.
In the 4-straight losses The Chargers have suffered, they have faced powerful offensive attacks in The Steelers, Packers, Raiders, and Ravens. Tonight they get a Bears team without Matt Forte. Again, I will agree with the oddsmaker shading this line higher than one might expect - because I think San Diego pulls off a double digit victory.
Pick Made: Nov 6 2015 11:05AM PST