graphic via lineups.com
We returned in Week 8 from a one-week hiatus and went 1-1 as the Eagles won the game outright but the teams managed the over despite the difficult weather conditions. This week, the Birds finally return home to take on the Bears.
Bears at Eagles (-4.5), Over/Under 41.5
We're going to jump right into it here: We love the Eagles in this game. The team put together a solid all-around effort in Buffalo and are expected to get some reinforcements as players return from injury, most notably DeSean Jackson. Add in a much-needed return to Lincoln Financial Field and the importance of the game for the Eagles' playoff hopes, and we see a big win for the Birds.
The Bears have a good defense, but they have been susceptible to the run and if you didn't notice, the Eagles kind of had the run game humming last week in Buffalo. When you add in Jackson's return, the Birds should be able to move the ball.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears offense has been a mess and they simply don't have the kind of attack to exploit the Eagles' weaknesses on defense, much like the Bills last week. That doesn't mean the Eagles defense will dominate, but they should certainly be able to hold the Bears' attack in check.
Put it all together and the Eagles should be able to cover the 4.5-point spread.
The over/under is a bit less clear. It opened at 44 and has fallen to 41.5, and it's easy to understand why. The Bears have scored 16 or fewer points in four of their seven games this season, the Eagles offense has been inconsistent, and the Bears have a very good defense. A lot of things point to the under here. However, a lot of things pointed to the under last week and the game went over anyway. With the return of Jackson, the establishment of the running game last week, and the proclivity of the Eagles defense to give up big plays, we're taking the over here.
The Pick: Eagles -4.5, over 41.5
Season record: 5-9
