Posted on
8/20/2007 6:35:11 PM
NFL Preseason Betting Free Picks - Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts
By Eric Williams
This NFL preseason Free Betting Pick features last season’s two Super Bowl combatants in a matchup that could be as entertaining as any preseason game played so far this season.
The Bears are looking to expand and diversify their offensive production this season while the Colts’ focus, as always, will be on improving their struggling defense.
Here is a look at tonight’s matchup, followed by my Free NFL Betting Picks:
Chicago Bears – 2006 preseason record: 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS
The Bears enter tonight’s rematch of last season’s Super Bowl having beaten the Houston Texans 20-19 in last week’s opening preseason game and should do well again against the Colts tonight because of the amazing depth throughout their roster, particularly at quarterback, where backups Brian Griese and Kyle Orton could actually both be better than starter Rex Grossman.
Bears head coach Lovie Smith will play his starters for approximately a quarter tonight, with an offensive focus of looking at tight-end Greg Olsen and running back Cedric Benson while continuing to work electric Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Hester into the offense.
Indianapolis Colts – 2006 preseason record: 1-3 straight up, 2-2 against the spread
The Colts lost several quality veterans in Cato June, Mike Doss, Nick Harper, Jason David, Montae Reagor, Dominic Rhodes and Brandon Stokley this offseason. Indianapolis also suffered a big blow when three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tarik Glenn retired prior to the start of training camp. Rookie Tony Ugoh, a second-round pick, who takes over for Glenn will need to have a fine performance to keep the Bears’ defense out of Manning’s face.
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy also wants to look long and hard at new starting cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden, who lack significant starting experience.
Analysis: Take the Bears to win this game as they have motivation from last year’s Super Bowl loss on their side and a better, deeper team than Indianapolis on both sides of the ball. The Colts have also been one of the worst teams in football in the preseason under Dungy, having lost eight of their last nine preseason games in 2005 and 2006.
NFL Free Picks: Bears 21 Colts 17
08:00 PM EST NFL Odds
Chicago Bears -2½ -110
Indianapolis Colts +2½ -110
NFL Preseason 2
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