NFC North Competitors Offering Engaging Betting Opportunities with Fields and Bears
The Bears' third-year quarterback, Justin Fields, has piqued the interest of some sports bettors ahead of the 2023 NFL season. This optimism stems from the belief that Fields can elevate the Monsters of the Midway, who finished last in their divisional competition with just three victories the previous year, to a playoff contender.
While the Green Bay Packers, now led by Jordan Love following Aaron Rodgers' departure, loom as a divisional rival working to solidify their position as a 13-win team from 2022, the focus is on Fields and the Bears. The two teams will meet for the 207th time in their decorated rivalry in the Bears' season-opening game at Soldier Field.
Fields faced the Packers four times in his first two seasons, compiling a 0-4 record despite flashes of brilliance. In last year's match-up, he had a 55-yard touchdown run before Rodgers rallied the Packers for a 28-19 victory.
The Bears have high hopes for Fields, who showed promise by rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns, and throwing for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns. With Fields as their focal point, the Bears have strengthened their offense by trading the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina and acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore, currently the best target for Fields.
When it comes to Fields' passing yards, sportsbooks have set his over/under totals, ranging from 2,775.5 at FanDuel to 2,900.5 at Caesars Sportsbook and BetRivers. His rushing yard totals see a similar range, with bettors expecting he will not have a second consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Fields has gained the confidence of bettors and experts alike, with his NFL MVP odds as high as +1500 at PointsBet. Optimism for the Bears' chances of returning to the playoffs and recording a winning season, not seen since their 12-4 campaign in 2018, is palpable among bettors. The confidence in Chicago has resulted in 94% of tickets and 55-45 split of handle on DraftKings for the Bears to make the postseason, while BetRivers' handle shows a more balanced 92% of the support on the "Yes" option.
As the new NFL season begins, the attention on the quarterback position is focused on Fields and his potential to drive the Bears back among the league's elite teams. The Bears hope the addition of Moore, as well as other offense-boosting moves, will enable Fields to build on his promising first two seasons and garner the recognition that a playoff contender often receives.
- Bettors anticipate Justin Fields to surpass certain passing yard totals, with odds set at 2,775.5 yards at FanDuel, 2,900.5 yards at Caesars Sportsbook and BetRivers.
- Fields' optimism among sports bettors is evident, as his NFL MVP odds are as high as +1500 at PointsBet.
- Despite Fields' overall 0-4 record against the Green Bay Packers in his first two seasons, bettors remain optimistic about the Bears' chances of making the postseason, with 94% of tickets and a 55-45 split of the handle on DraftKings for the Bears to make the playoffs.
- The confidence in the Chicago Bears, with Justin Fields as their focal point, is palpable, especially among bettors, as the Bears hope to return to the playoffs and record a winning season, a feat not seen since their 12-4 campaign in 2018.
