Bears Try For Another Primetime Win at Jets on Monday Night

New York Opened -1.5 & Up to -3 Against Chicago.

The Chicago Bears will be playing their second consecutive primetime game when they square off against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook opened the game Jets -1.5 with a total of 46, and those numbers have since changed to -3 and 45.5 (click here to check latest NFL odds). Let's take a quick look at this Monday night matchup.

The Bears have to be feeling very good about themselves after the way they bounced back from their season-opening loss at home to Buffalo, 23-20 in overtime. In Week 2, they fell behind 17-0 at San Francisco before they even got on the scoreboard. But their defense was tremendous in the second half, holding the 49ers to just three points while quarterback Jay Cutler and the offense put up 21 points in the fourth quarter alone to give them the 28-20 road win.

You never apologize for wins in the NFL, but Chicago has to be slightly concerned with the slow start last week. Expect for the Bears to try and get running back Matt Forte going early with draws and screen passes to alleviate some of the pressure of New York's pass rush. If they can do that, then Cutler should have the time he needs to get the ball to his playmaking wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Both receivers are dealing with nagging injuries but are expected to start in Week 3. The team will be without cornerback Charles Tillman, who is done for the season with a torn triceps. The good news for Chicago is that his replacement rookie Kyle Fuller had two interceptions in last week's win and looks ready to start in the league. The Bears are 1-1 SU and ATS on the season, but they have struggled against the number over their last 26 overall, going just 7-18-1.

Meanwhile, the Jets blew an opportunity at a road win in Green Bay versus the Packers last week. They built a 21-3 lead before Green Bay got its offense in gear and came back to win the game, 31-24. New York QB Geno Smith actually looked like he threw a late TD pass, which with the extra point would have tied the game, but offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg called a timeout just before the snap, which negated the score.

The Jets could be without WR Eric Decker for this game, as he's currently listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury (click here to check updated NFL injury report). But the passing game is not where the strength of this team lies. It's on the offensive and defensive lines where this team excels, as the Jets are ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing offense, averaging 179 yards per game on the ground, and No. 1 in run defense, allowing just 52.5 ypg. They are getting it done in the trenches up front and will make Chicago earn every yard.

Here is a trend to consider before you head to the window: The Bears are 13-3 to the "over" in their last 16 road games while the "over" is also 15-2 in the last 17 Week 3 games for the Jets. Click here to get more NFL picks from the Don Best handicappers.