🏈 Get Used to Seeing the Bears
I hope you enjoy watching — and betting on or against — the Chicago Bears.
Why? Because four of Chicago’s next five games are standalone national TV showcases.
That stretch starts tonight as the Bears host the Patriots as 3-point favorites (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video).
After tonight, Chicago visits Seattle on Monday Night Football, hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday Night Football and travels to Detroit on Thanksgiving.
FYI: The Bears are 16-8-1 ATS in the Ben Johnson era.
Can the Primetime Underdog Streak Continue?
Dave Tuley pointed out a remarkable trend: NFL primetime underdogs have covered in 12 consecutive games — and the first 11 won outright.
The latest was Washington, which covered as a 7-point underdog in Monday night’s 23-17 loss at San Francisco.
Now the Patriots get their chance to extend the streak. But Dave isn’t recommending a straight bet on New England +3. He has a different way to approach tonight’s spread.
>> Read Dave Tuley’s Week 7 Analysis
What Do Steve’s Numbers Say?
Steve Makinen has identified two league-wide betting systems that make New England worth a closer look:
- Thursday home teams in Weeks 1–8 are 22-35-2 ATS (38.6%) since 2019.
- Road teams averaging at least 8 yards per pass attempt are 146-108-4 ATS (57.5%) since 2015. The Patriots qualify.
Steve’s traditional power ratings also suggest New England is slightly undervalued at +3. But his betting-splits systems aren’t unanimous, and his ratings offer only a modest edge.
>> See Steve’s Week 7 Systems, Trends and Ratings
The Matchup — and the Market
Zach Cohen examines a matchup that could turn on New England’s offensive-line injuries and Chicago’s ability to pressure the quarterback.
He also raises an intriguing question: What does it mean when the Bears attract considerable support but the spread stays at Chicago -3?
Zach has a side, a total and a player prop worth considering.
>> Read Zach’s Patriots–Bears Preview and Picks
The VSiN Community Is Split
Austin Robinson likes Chicago -3, pointing to New England’s offensive-line problems and the Bears’ advantage in the trenches.
Steve S favors New England +3, citing the Patriots’ defense and Chicago’s vulnerability against both the run and pass.
>> Join the Patriots–Bears Discussion
Looking for a Player Prop?
Check the VSiN Player Prop Analyzer and Opta AI projections to compare the available opportunities with the numbers.
📺 Don’t Miss This Before Kickoff
If you’re planning to bet on tonight’s game, I strongly recommend tuning in from 7:30–8 p.m. ET.
Mitch Moss, Derek Stevens, Chris Wilberding and Keyshawn Johnson will break down the matchup, including insights from the Circa sportsbook on which side the house needs.
Then stick around for the Thursday Night Betcast with Keyshawn and Patrick Meagher, featuring live analysis throughout the game.
🏈 College Football: Three Games, Two Best Bets
Thursday’s college football schedule won’t have anyone confusing it with Rivalry Week.
But there are three games to bet, and two VSiN handicappers have found opportunities.
Tonight’s matchups (Circa lines):
- 7 p.m. ET: James Madison (-11) at Appalachian State — ESPNU
- 7 p.m. ET: Liberty (-9) at Kennesaw State — CBS Sports Network
- 7:30 p.m. ET: East Carolina at Memphis (-10.5) — ESPN2
Steve Makinen has a play on Liberty–Kennesaw State, supported by one of his historically successful betting systems.
>> See Steve’s Pick and the System Behind It
Adam Burke has a Best Bet on East Carolina–Memphis, where the recent performances of both teams suggest an opportunity beyond the point spread.
>> Read Adam’s Thursday Analysis and Best Bet
>> College Football Week 8 Betting Hub
🏀 NBA: Betting Opportunities Hiding in the Schedule
The NBA season is underway, and some of Steve Makinen’s favorite scheduling-based betting systems start kicking in this weekend.
Steve has identified opportunities throughout the 2026-27 schedule based on back-to-backs, travel, rest advantages and other situations that have historically produced profitable betting results.
He highlights 15 league-wide systems, along with the specific dates and matchups when they apply.
The best part? You can identify these opportunities before the betting lines are even posted.
>> See Steve’s NBA Scheduling Betting Opportunities
Tonight’s NBA picks and props: NBA Best Bets | Player Prop Analyzer | Opta AI Projections
DonBest NBA Rotation Book — just $4.99. Keep the NBA schedule, matchups and betting information close at hand as Steve’s scheduling opportunities begin to appear.
🏒 NHL: Jonathan Davis Likes the Sharks Tonight
After a two-game Wednesday, the NHL returns with a 12-game Thursday slate — and Jonathan Davis sees an opportunity in San Jose at Ottawa.
The Senators are on the second half of a back-to-back after an emotional 5-1 victory over Florida. Ottawa goalie Linus Ullmark left that game with an injury in the third period, potentially leaving the Senators with a backup in net.
Jonathan also likes a Macklin Celebrini player prop. Celebrini has recorded five multi-point games this season and has contributed to 52% of San Jose’s goals.
Jonathan’s plays:
- San Jose Sharks moneyline — 2 units
- Macklin Celebrini 2+ points — ½ unit
🏆 Contest Corner: A Grandissimo Mistake — and a Possible Silver Lining
About that no-pick in Circa Grandissimo …
Circa’s Mike Palm filled in some details about the entry that wasn’t submitted Saturday.
He also raised a possible solution — a silver lining to a regrettable mistake by a proxy.
>> Watch Mike with Mitch Moss and Pauly Howard on Follow The Money
Spotted on Survivor Sweat: A marketplace listing offering 6% of six live contest entries for $21,600.
Looking to buy into a live Circa contest entry — or sell part of one you already own?
