With the Windy City abuzz about finding their potential franchise quarterback in Justin Fields (an MVP betting darling), the Chicago Bears take the field Saturday afternoon against a Tennessee Titans team that many are counting out this season.
Despite “Da Bears” having the worst record in the league last season (3-14) and injuries being at the heart of the Titans’ disappointing 7-10 season, there seems to be far more optimism in Chi-town than in the Music City. The way each franchise attacked the offseason has a lot to do with that and could be why Chicago is -3.5-point chalk in the unpredictable world of NFL preseason betting.
Find out where my best bets lie in our NFL preseason picks and predictions for Titans vs. Bears on Saturday, August 12.
Titans vs Bears odds
Titans vs Bears predictions
A Bill Belichick disciple, it’s no shocker that Mike Vrabel is playing his cards close to his chest entering Week 1 of the preseason.
Vrabel doesn’t plan on naming a starting quarterback ahead of the game with Chicago, but it’s a safe bet to assume Ryan Tannehill — who missed time with an ankle injury last season — won’t be touching Soldier Field.
“That’s not a decision that we’re going to share right now, but we’ve made the decision,” said Vrabel. “There will be some (starters) that play, some that won’t.”
With Tannehill out, the Tennessee Titans have two former Day 2 picks that could get the start — rookie second-round pick Will Levis and 2022 third-round pick Malik Willis.
Despite a couple of tough outings as a rookie (42.8 QB rating), it appears that Willis, who was listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the team’s opening depth chart, will start against the Chicago Bears… which bodes well for the Under (37.5).
An athletically gifted passer, Willis has the explosiveness and arm strength to make jaw-dropping plays, but his ball placement, anticipation, and pocket awareness were clearly a hindrance last season.
It doesn’t help his case that the Titans starting offensive line is among the worst in the league on paper… and he’ll probably end up playing behind the second-string unit for parts of the game.
Throw in a skill position corps that will presumably be without Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins, and things will be even tougher for new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.
Last year’s first-round pick Treylon Burks will probably play a few series, but with the leaky offensive line and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Chris Moore, Mason Kinsey, and Reggie Roberson Jr. as the next top options outside, it could get rough.
When Levis inevitably does come in, it could get even more hellish to move the ball. The rookie has a rocket launcher of an arm and above-average athleticism. However, last year at Kentucky we saw how much he struggled out of structure and under pressure.
The Titans’ second and third-string offensive line unit probably won’t do him many favors, especially given the fact they’re mainly made up of rookies and undrafted players with limited starting experience.
Of course, the Bears’ defense will need to do its job to slow down Willis and Levis. Luckily, the defensive line will be motivated to get after the quarterbacks with much of the two-deep competing for playing time. Free agent acquisitions DeMarcus Walker and Yannick Ngakoue could both see the field after head coach Matt Eberflus said selected starters “will play here and there” against the Titans.
Look for rookie interior defensive linemen Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens to also cause some issues too with their length and athletic prowess coming from the SEC. Beyond Chicago’s defensive line, the back seven has established starters who likely won’t play much, but are backed up by intriguing rookies like Noah Sewell, Tyrique Stevenson, and Terell Smith who will want to leave a good impression.
To ensure the Under hits, the Bears’ offense will need to look like it did for much of last season with hiccups and mistakes leading to punts and turnovers. Justin Fields will be among the starters who play in the game, but for how long? Nobody is quite sure.
Assuming he isn’t in for long — and DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Cole Kmet aren’t either — Chicago’s not going to have much in terms of playmakers. Receivers Equanimeous St. Brown and Chase Claypool are out which leaves second-year pass catcher Velus Jones Jr. and rookie Tyler Scott as the top options.
While not full of superstars, the Titans have a stingy defense with depth at every level and the front seven could give the Bears starting and backup offensive linemen issues… so all eyes will be on Bears’ right tackle and 10th overall pick, Darnell Wright.
When Fields is out, PJ Walker, Nathan Peterman, and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent will be steering a ship that could spring some leaks due to a lack of offensive line depth. Inexperienced quarterbacks on one side and a lack of playmakers on the other (plus unproven offensive linemen on both sides) is usually a good equation for the Under.
My best bet: Under 37.5 (-110 at bet365)
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