Make sure to check in with BettingPros throughout the year for top picks and predictions for each and every NFL game. Our writers dive into their favorite picks and predictions for every remaining game on this weekend’s NFL slate. And let’s take a closer look at Bears vs. Buccaneers.
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NFL Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Bears vs. Buccaneers
The Buccaneers pulled off one of the most surprising upsets in Week 1 when they took down the Vikings in Minnesota. They host the Bears in Week 2. Chicago’s pass defense was atrocious and made QB Jordan Love look like an All-Pro in his first stint as a full-time starter. The problems in the Chicago secondary are real, and Baker Mayfield should be able to exploit it with his cast of elite receivers. On the other side of the ball, Kirk Cousins was able to light up this Tampa defense, and if he didn’t keep shooting himself in the foot in the red zone, the Vikings probably win. This should be a back-and-forth game, so I’m staying away from a side and just taking the over.
Pick: Over 40.5 (-115)
-Ryan Rodeman
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
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