Not many expected both the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants to have winning records heading into October, but such is the case as the two 2-1 clubs go toe-to-toe at MetLife Stadium in Week 4 Sunday afternoon.
The Bears sandwiched a loss to the Green Bay Packers with victories over the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans, both at Soldier Field. The Giants handed the Tennessee Titans and the Carolina Panthers defeats before dropping a game at home to the Dallas Cowboys last Monday night.
Who will get to 3-1 in this tilt? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Bears vs Giants on Sunday, October 2.
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Bears vs Giants best odds
Bears vs Giants picks and predictions
Saquon Barkley is uncorking a vintage year so far after failing to produce much over the last couple of seasons, mostly due to injury. His Comeback Player of the Year odds-leading campaign should continue against Chicago’s struggling run-stop unit.
Barkley was the MVP of the Giants’ Week 1 victory over the Titans, as he rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He followed that up with a more modest but still solid effort against the Panthers, as he carried the rock for 72 yards on 21 attempts. Barkley then reached 81 yards on only 14 carries against the Cowboys last Monday.
Had his team not trailed throughout the fourth quarter in Week 3, he might have had some more opportunities on the ground. Head coach Brian Daboll will likely ride his workhorse running back a little harder in this one following the season-ending ACL injury to Sterling Shepard, New York’s top wide receiver.
The Bears haven’t had much success at stopping the run in 2022, as they’ve allowed 157 rushing yards per game through three contests, the second-worst mark in the NFL. They were taken to task by a varied 49ers rush attack to the tune of 176 yards, then coughed up 193 yards to the Packers tailback tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Texans rookie Dameon Pierce added to this unit’s woes in Week 3 by running for a season-high 80 yards.
Barkley doesn’t have to split carries with an established backup, and should get plenty of handoffs from Jones with windy weather in the forecast. This is a more-than-attainable line for Barkley to cross against a shoddy group of defenders.
My best bet: Saquon Barkley Over 79.5 rushing yards (-110 at bet365)
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Bears vs Giants spread analysis
This is a game where points could be precious, and possessions could be few with both the Bears and the Giants looking to run first. Chicago has a decent chance to win this outright if it gets a break or two, so taking the points with them seems prudent.
If David Montgomery (ankle, knee) is unable to suit up, the Bears can still turn to Khalil Herbert to get the ground game going. Herbert had a career day against Houston last week, gouging them for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries following Montgomery’s first-quarter departure.
The Big Blue rush defense has been shaky at best in 2022, allowing 138.3 yards per game. Surprisingly, they held Titans stalwart tailback Derrick Henry to 82 yards in Week 1, but followed that up by surrendering 102 rushing yards to the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey, and a combined 178 rushing yards to the Cowboys’ Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott.
Justin Fields has been anything but reliable under center for Chicago, but the same can be said for his opposite number, Daniel Jones. Bettors shouldn’t expect any late-game heroics from the Duke product, and Barkley can only do so much.
Bears vs Giants Over/Under analysis
The total for this tilt opened as one of the lowest of the season, but surprisingly, the number hasn’t been pounded down much further. In fact, it’s drifted up from 39.0 to 39.5 at most sportsbooks. The Under looks like the right side nonetheless.
The Bears have scored a modest 17.3 points per game this season, and the Giants have produced only 18.7 points per game. This is in line with last season’s stats, as they ranked in the bottom six in this department.
Both clubs have found it difficult to get production from their passing game. Fields has been handcuffed by the Chicago coaching staff, but it appears to be for good reason, as he’s completing only 51.1% of his passes for 6.6 yards per attempt. The Ohio State alum has tossed only two touchdowns, compared to four interceptions.
Jones has yet to crack 200 passing yards in a game this season, and has been sacked 13 times.
With winds expected to reach 17 mph throughout the game, the aerial attack should be more stunted than ever for both teams.
Bears vs Giants betting trend to know
The Under is 21-5-2 in the Giants’ last 28 games overall. Find more NFL betting trends for Bears vs. Giants.
Bears vs Giants game info
| Location: | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| Date: | Sunday, October 2, 2022 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
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