NFL odds handicappers will have a special Monday Night Football treat of two undefeated teams that are long time hated division rivals since the 1920’s. The 2-0 Chicago Bears will host the 2-0 Green Bay Packers in a key NFC North Division showdown. SBG opened with Green Bay as a 3-point road favorite and with an over/under of 46. Kickoff on ESPN is set for 8:40 PM Eastern.
History of Hate
The legendary list of players and coaches that have taken part in this rivalry would take several pages. But the one constant that has remained the same in this oldest rivalry in the NFL is hatred. The fan bases of the two teams despise each other and the teams have the rivalry instantly ingrained into their respective cultures. As far back as this rivalry goes it is interesting to note that most of the time one team is down while the other one is up. The fact that both teams are off to such good starts only enhances one of the great grudge matches in all of sports.
Surprise Start
The Chicago Bears have not made the playoffs since their 2006 NFC Championship season but are a renewed group this year. The Bears are coming off a big upset win with the NFL lines at Dallas as they beat the Cowboys 27-20 as 7-point road dogs. The Bears got a highly controversial win at home over Detroit on opening day when the Lions game winning touchdown pass at the end was overturned. Some would say it was an omen of what could be a very special season in the Windy City.
Mad Mike Martz
Chicago head coach Lovie Smith knows its do or die for his job this year and took the gamble of hiring Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. While Martz had plenty of success at St. Louis when they were winning big he is also known for being somewhat quirky and eccentric. But quarterback Jay Cutler loves Martz tutelage as evidenced by his 121 QB rating with the NFL odds.
Rodgers Rolling
The Pack has quite an asset with the NFL lines at quarterback themselves with All Pro Aaron Rodgers, who has a QB rating of 94.0 and plenty of street cred with gamblers.
Packer Streak
Green Bay has gotten the money 4 straight times against the Bears with all 4 games going under the total.