Even though Chicago has the home field advantage, Atlanta has a big-time talent advantage and will be a sizable road favorite. The Bears are expected to finish well below .500 in 2017 but hope to at least remain competitive in this contest so that the fans don’t lose faith quickly.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 1 game is set for Sunday, September 10, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons -7
Chicago Bears +7
Over/Under 50
Odds Analysis
The Falcons can be wagered on currently at +100, and nearly 70 percent of the action likes that bet and is choosing Atlanta to cover. The Falcons’ offense was so dynamic last year that the “over” was always a great call no matter how high the scoring total. Bettors don’t think that will be the case in this one, as 56 percent of the early money is choosing the “under” in this matchup.
Injury Report
Kyle Long - The Bears’ left guard is still recovering from ankle surgery last September. He seemed ready to get back to action in the preseason but suffered a setback. Chicago’s offense is not expected to be great this year, and it won’t help if Long is sidelined for this one.
Pernell McPhee -- Chicago’s outside linebacker had knee surgery on July 28. He may not play full-time in this one but is expected to at least see the field. McPhee is a good pass-rusher, and anything the Bears can do to make Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan feel uncomfortable will be a big boost.
Danny Trevathan -- The Bears’ inside linebacker did not play in the preseason and he recovers from a torn patellar tendon in his knee. He is one of the best players on defense and the team hopes to use him in a full-time role in this one.
Prince Amukamara -- The Bears’ cornerback rolled his ankle in late August. His availability is crucial because Amukamara figures to get the assignment of tracking Falcons star Julio Jones. If Chicago doesn’t have its best cover man, Jones could be in line for a huge game.
Coaching Angle
The Falcons return Ryan, Jones, Devonta Freeman and many of the other key pieces offensively. However, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan left in the offseason to take over the head coaching gig for the San Francisco 49ers.
He has been replaced by Steve Sarkisian, who will aim to keep the offense clicking. If it happens, the Falcons should have a big season once again, but if there are hiccups it could be a concern.
Free ATS Pick
The Falcons are the superior team, and the Bears are going to have a tough time keeping up in this one. Chicago’s running game is pretty strong and it will need to be really good in order to shorten the game. Mike Glennon will start at quarterback for Chicago, but if he has to try to lead a rally it could lead to some late turnovers as he throws a lot.
The Falcons look again like one of the best teams in the NFL, and even on the road they shouldn’t have any trouble both winning this game and covering the spread. The scoring total is too high, mainly because the Bears aren’t going to be able to score enough to keep up. Take the “under” in this contest in addition to Atlanta.
NFL Odds: Falcons 31, Bears 17
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