While there was plenty of hype surrounding the Chicago Bears and 2024 No. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams heading into last season, it ended in futility.
The Bears started 4-2 before a Week 7 bye, but lost on a Hail Mary in Week 8 at the Washington Commanders to begin a 10-game losing streak. Chicago crawled to a 5-12 record, finishing last in an extremely difficult NFC North division that sent three double-digit-win teams to the postseason. The Bears weren’t great to bettors, either, going 8-7-2 against the spread and going under their season win total of 8.5.
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But after a strong free agency and NFL Draft, bettors are again backing Chicago to exceed expectations: The Bears are the team with the most bets among all 32 NFL teams at BetMGM to go over their win total of 8.5.
Over 90% of the bets are on the over for the Bears at BetMGM, along with 69% of the total dollars wagered.
“The Bears fit the mold of what we typically see from an improving team [QB in second year when there is usually improvement, combined with a new coach and better offense],” Christian Cipollini, BetMGM NFL trader, told Yahoo Sports. “They’re a team expected to make a jump.”
After Williams was sacked 68 times (third most in NFL history), upgrading the offensive line was a big offseason priority. The Bears signed center Drew Dalman and traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to help protect their QB.
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The Bears received a B for their draft grade from Yahoo Sports after adding Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the first round and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second round — along with Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo in Round 2.
With a strong defense and more additions on offense, the Bears expect Williams to take another step forward in Year 2.
Bettors are in agreement.
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