Sportsbook action will be on fire this week with superstar fighters Manny Pacquiao and Randy Couture competing in their respective sports. It’s fitting, then, that NFL Week 10 features some epic slugfests of its own. Let’s take an early peek at the schedule and make a few football picks. Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers (-3)
Thursday, November 12, 8:20 p.m. ET
You know the games are getting big in NFL betting when the Thursday matchups arrive. The freefalling Bears and 49ers are both desperate for a win. After many experts labeled Chicago a Super Bowl contender entering the season, we’re learning that the Bears are simply flawed. The O-line struggles to open up holes for Matt Forte; the Bears are 28th in the league in rushing. The Bears are also struggling to overcome injuries to Brian Urlacher and now Charles Tillman. They’re getting beaten for big plays, especially in the deep passing game, and have seen opposing quarterbacks toss five touchdown passes on them twice in the last three weeks.
The 49ers’ rep as a defensive juggernaut is fading fast. They can stop the run but teams are passing on them with ease of late. Now that the 49ers’ O-line is decimated by injury, it’s tough to imagine them consistently scoring enough to overcome their defensive woes. Bet on the Bears, who have the better big-play potential thanks to Jay Cutler’s arm.
Online betting pick: Bears +3
Dallas Cowboys (-2.5) @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday, November 15, 4:15 p.m. ET
Chins up, Packer fans. The truth is that 2009 wasn’t really your year. The Vikings have their day now and your guys will contend for a decade starting in 2010. There’s no questioning Green Bay’s talent, especially that of Aaron Rodgers. But this team is still gelling and maturing and won’t go anywhere until it learns how to protect its quarterback. Tampa Bay – Tampa Bay! -- sacked Rodgers six times. That’s horrible news for the Pack this week, as they face a much more legitimate pass rush. What’s the over/under on sacks for DaMarcus Ware in this game – 4.5? Rodgers needs better protection and needs to release the ball earlier. I don’t see the either of those things happening this week.
Green Bay’s pass defense is still pretty good – we’ll give them a mulligan on the Josh Freeman surprise – but the Cowboys moved the ball well enough to beat a superior Eagles defense last week. If in doubt, they’ll put the ball in Marion Barber and Felix Jones’ hands. Bet on Dallas.
Online betting pick: Cowboys -2.5
