I will be previewing two Sunday games here – one from each of the kickoff time slots.
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
The 1-2 Detroit Lions travel to the winless Bears on Sunday in an NFC Central divisional game. The Lions are big favourites to win and get their record back to .500.
Detroit has lost its last two games after beating the Colts in a 39-35 shootout in week 1. All three of the Lions games have been decided by 7 points of less so they are competitive.
Statistically, the Lions offence is stellar scoring 27 points per game (6th in the NFL) and with 413.7 yards per game (4th). The Bears by way of contrast have averages of 15 points per game (30th) and 310.7 yards (27th). Neither teams defence is very good. Detroit rank 27th in points (28.3) and 21st in yards (379.0). Chicago are 23rd in points allowed (27.7) and 16th in yards (357.0).
The Lions offence will continue to roll along in high gear in this game. The Bears defence that is wracked with injuries doesn’t look like it will contain them on a regular basis. Lions QB Matt Stafford will have a big game on Sunday as will WR Marvin Jones (coming off a huge game in week 3). True, the Lions have yet to establish a consistent running game but I don’t think this stops them on Sunday.
Alshon Jeffrey aside, the Bears haven’t really got much going on offence at all this season. They are prone to giving up sacks (9 in 3 games) and this limits the passing game. Injuries at running back means rookie Jordan Howard gets a start on Sunday. They might exceed their season averages but I think the Bears lose and lose big.
I like Detroit -3.0 to win in Chicago on Sunday.
Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I think this game too has blowout written all over it.
The defending super bowl champions Broncos are perfect through 3 games. They beat super bowl runner-up Carolina in week 1 in a 1 point game then have improved with wins over Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The defence in particular has been outstanding. They have played three high-powered offences and still rank 8th in points allowed (19 per game) and 7th in yards (306.0). The defence forces turnovers and sacks opposing QBs with regularity. This is not what the Bucs want to face on Sunday.
The real surprise has been the improvement in the passing game under first year starter QB Trevor Siemian. He has two elite WRS to throw too in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Plus, the Broncos running game is productive with CJ Anderson.
Tampa Bay won their opener but were then blown apart against the Cardinals in week two. QB Jameis Winston had a terrible game with 4 interceptions. They improved somewhat in week 3 but still lost to the LA Rams. The offence has gotten yards but is -6 in the turnover column. They now face an elite defence that matches up really well with the Bucs skill players. I can see the Broncos DBs eliminating the threat of WR Mike Evans forcing Jameis Winston to look elsewhere.
The Bucs might do okay running the ball as this is the weak part of the Broncos defence. It won’t be enough though to swing the game though. Tampa Bay would have to play turnover free to be in the running and I cannot see that happening.
It wouldn’t surprise me if this ended something like 38-17 Denver. I’m all over Denver -3.0 on the handicap betting market.
Week 4 – Sunday Games – Tips
Back Detroit Lions (-3.0) to beat Chicago Bears with a 4.0/10 stake at 2.05 with Boylesports.
WON – Back Denver Broncos (-3.0) to beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 4.0/10 stake at 2.05 with Boylesports.
Bet here:
