Chicago vs Miami – NFL Sports Book

It took three quarterbacks but the Miami Dolphins toppled the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Now on a short week, they’ll take on the Chicago Bears with their third string quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

The Chicago Bears are 6-3 on the season but they have looked far from being one of the top teams in the NFC. The early NFL sports book betting action is backing the Chicago Bears 64/36.

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The odds makers have set the NFL sports book lines favoring the Dolphins by -1½-points. As the line is under 2-points, there is no moneyline available. The game total is set at 40½.

NFL Sports Book Lines
November 18, 2010

Chicago Bears +1½ -110
Miami Dolphins -1½ -110

Game Total 40½

Location: Dolphins Stadium – Miami FL

Game Time: 8:20pm

TV: NFL Network

The Miami Dolphins sat Chad Henne down in favor of Chad Pennington last weekend against the Titans. It did last long as Pennington only completed 1 of 2 passes before suffering a season ending shoulder injury.

Henne was back for the Dolphins and played well but suffered a knee injury. Thigpen came in and mopped up, completing 4 of 6 passes for 64 yards and a TD pass.

This will be Thigpen’s first start since 2008, when he was starting for the Kansas City Chiefs. Thigpen played well for the Chiefs but lacked the supporting staff to get him some wins.

The biggest injury for the Dolphins isn’t under center; it could be tackle Jake Long. Long has been a stalwart of the offensive line since being the number one pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Long injured his shoulder against the Titans but he will try to play. It remains to be seen if he can remain effective.

The Chicago Bears are tied with the Green Bay Packers at the top of the NFC North. They won their first 3 games of the season, then when 1-3 in October but they’ve won two straight in November. Their November wins came over the Bills and Vikings, not exactly good measuring sticks but wins are wins.

The Bears defense has shown glimpses of a return to the “Monsters of the Midway” defense from Bears past. The Bears are holding opponents to just 16.2 points per game, good for second in the league.

The Bears offensive line, which was the crux of the Bears losses, has turned it around. The Bears gave up 23 sacks in October but has let defenders get to Jay Cutler just twice.

At the NFL sports book, the Bears are 4-4-1 against the NFL betting spread and the Dolphins are 6-3 ATS.

Thursday’s game will depend on the Bears offensive line, continuing their strong play or the ability of Tyler Thigpen to step in and run the Dolphins offense.

I like the Dolphins as their losses have come against the top teams in the league, the Bears record is inflated with wins over teams like the Vikings, Bills, Detroit, Carolina and Dallas. The Bears have a nice season going but they won’t get past the Dolphins Thursday night.

Bet the Dolphins -1½ at the NFL sports book.