NFL fans will get their first look at Peyton Manning, as the veteran takes the field with the Denver Broncos for the first time. Facing them in this preseason battle will be the Chicago Bears. Can NFL bettors find any value in this matchup?
Are you
sick of hearing about Chick Fil-A? Let’s talk some football! The NFL preseason
kicks off this weekend, and steadily throughout the next month, NFL teams will
be trying to set their final rosters. This game has some special appeal to it,
as it is Peyton Manning’s return to the field. What better way to get broken in
back to the NFL game then to face one of the NFL’s best defenses?
The NFL
Odds are favoring the Bears in this one at -3. Manning will likely only play
one series, as the Broncos are going to take no chances. However, they will
want to see him make a few live throws this preseason. Even though he probably
won’t play much more than four to six throws, those are going to be the most
watched four to six throws in the preseason.
Return of a legend
Manning
has looked good in Bronco’s training camp, and I’m sure he will be ready to
start the season. The 36 year-old Manning does have some tread left on the
tires, and I’m sure he is as anxious to get back on the field, as we are to see
him out there.
Manning
is coming into a good situation. He has one of the leagues best rushing
attacks, along with offensive lines. He has some good and young receivers, and
a good coach. He has installed the no huddle offense in Denver, which will make
other AFC teams silly. If you just tune in for a few minutes to this game, make
sure it’s while Manning and the Bear’s first team defense is on the field.
From Koala to Kodiak
The
Bears were playing very well last season until the wheels fell off. Jay Cutler
went down and then soon after, Matt Forte fell. The Bears went from a playoff
team to a borderline bad team. This season, Cutler is healthy, Forte is finally
signed and healthy, and the Bears have added more talent than almost any other
team in the league.
With a
new arsenal ready, Chicago is going to try and compete with the Packers for the
NFC North. While I don’t think they will win the division, I think they will be
closer than a lot of people think. I understand people’s reservations about the
Bears, but if Jay Cutler can stay healthy and focused, this team can go a very
long way.
The Sharp Pick
The
Bears will be looking for revenge against the Broncos in this game as well.
Denver and Tim Tebow ultimately ended what little hope the Bears had to make
the playoffs last season. Even though Marion Barber was to blame A LOT for that
as well, Denver put the nail in the coffin.
Now
resurrected from the dead, the Bears are a scary zombie, just waiting for the
taste of blood. If you recall, Manning is the one that beat the Bears in the
Super Bowl a few seasons ago. This game has revenge written all over it for
Chicago, even if it is a preseason game.
With all
that being said, I have to add the Bears to my NFL picks here. I wouldn’t be surprised if
Manning didn’t throw at all in this one. He might come in, hand the ball of a
few times, and get pulled. Lay the points.
My Pick: Bears -3