Sunday, November 1, 2020, Soldier Field, Chicago, 4:25 p.m. ET
Saints at Bears Betting Preview: Saints (-4/-114), Bears (+4/-106)
New Orleans Saints
It could be yet another week before the Saints (4-2) get Michael Thomas back in the fold, but it’s likely fellow wideout Emmanuel Sanders is back after missing Week 7 due to a COVID-19 positive test.
Drew Brees’ blocking unit will be put to the test against Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack, who had moments of dominance in Monday’s loss at Los Angeles.
Brees is infrequently challenging down the field this season. He gets rid of the ball quickly and the Saints are mostly committing to the run game with Alvin Kamara.
New Orleans posted 36 points in a win over the Bears last season. But the total for this game is just 43.5 points. The Saints have scored 27, 30, 35 and 30 the past four games.
Chicago Bears
Controversy struck the Chicago huddle on Monday, when ESPN aired a comment quarterback Nick Foles claimed was a miscommunication about his level of doubt about certain playcalls coming through his headset from head coach Matt Nagy.
Foles and the Bears were dominated by the Los Angeles Rams. Chicago put up 10 points, and the only touchdown came from safety Eddie Jackson (fumble recovery).
Now the Bears attempt to get back in the win column with an offense trending toward one-dimensional predictability. A flailing offensive line hasn’t helped Foles and the Bears have been held to less than 70 rushing yards in four consecutive games.
Part of the issue appears to be a lack of balance in play-calling, but Nagy insists he’ll keep the script in his hands on Sundays. The Saints have been susceptible to motions and shifts before the snap with communication breakdowns against the Chargers and Raiders in particular.
Saints at Bears Betting Pick for Week 8
New Orleans might need to put up points this week — or fix an ailing pass defense. Only the Atlanta Falcons (19) have allowed more touchdown passes than the Saints (17).
Saints at Bears Betting Pick:
Saints 23, Bears 16
Saints at Bears Best Bet for Week 8
In six out of seven games, the Bears have gone scoreless in the third quarter. It’s a statistical fact symptomatic of a team unable to make adjustments, and a big piece of that puzzle is personnel.
The Saints might not have Thomas, but New Orleans can script a victory against a rugged defense if they stay with the running game early.
Saints at Bears Best Bet: Saints -4 (-210)
