NFL Week 17 Betting: Bears Underdogs?

There are a few conundrums to overcome in NFL Week 17 betting, the most glaring of which is the Chicago Bears being listed as underdogs.

Chicago was the first team to clinch a playoff spot. They have won three consecutive games and have won eight of their last nine. So why are they +5-point underdogs as they close their triumphant season out against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17?

The Bears struggled against San Francisco last week, winning 14-9. The Vikings, meanwhile, were wrecking Detroit 27-9. Chicago also only took their first meeting in Week 11 by five points. This is why the Bears have opened as ‘dogs in this contest.

However, the Bears are 8-1 against the spread over their last nine games. They are 6-0 against the spread when playing NFC North division rivals. They have also covered four times in their last 5 meetings with the Vikings. This means that Chicago offers some serious value to bettors as 5-point underdogs.

The Bears are a solid team on both sides of the ball and with the Vikings in a must-win situation, they will be playing for their playoff lives. With that said, Chicago is a could enough team to hang with Minnesota and should be able to cover that 5-point spread.

You can get in on all the NFL Week 17 betting action over at Bovada.