Quick note: I know money is a major issue for many Americans right now as the unemployment numbers have exploded and entire industries have been destroyed. When I write columns like this, encouraging gambling, I hope those suffering know I am sensitive to their situation. But gambling odds provide a solid context to discuss sporting issues. So I’m going to keep writing about them for the time being.
Bet One: Nick Foles MVP (+15000)
Do I think Nick Foles is going to win MVP this season?
No.
But that’s why he’s 150-1 to win the award. (Same odds as Mitch Trubisky actually.)
Here’s why the bet is worth $1: the value logic. What if Foles starts, executes the offense and the Bears start winning? What if he proves the 2019 season can be written off to the failures of the previous quarterback, as many believe the case to be? There will be an easily-made argument for his value to the franchise.
Also, when quarterbacks execute this offense, they produce statistically. Alex Smith, who most consider a game manager, put up 4,000 yards and 26 TDs in 2017 for Andy Reid. You combine him turning around the Bears offense with a large statistical output and he’ll be in the MVP conversation.
And Foles plays in Chicago. If he plays well, it’ll be visible and there will be a demonstrative campaign for him.
Bet Two: Bears To Make the Playoffs (+160)
If the 2020 rules existed in 2019, the Bears would have finished a single game out of the postseason. If they’re healthy I don’t see how they’re not a better team in 2020.
As a matter of fact, I believe the Bears are going to be a very good team and this number will be -400 by the middle of the season.
Bet Three: Bears over Lions ML, Week One (+106)
A game bet isn’t really a futures bet, but this game feels like it’s going to be played 27 years from now.
(1) I don’t think the Lions offensive line is any good.
(2) I think Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn are very good.
(3) If Trubisky somehow found himself in this game, it’s fine. Detroit is the only team he can play against.
Bears are starting the 2020 season at 1-0.
