Patriots vs. Bears Picks, Betting Systems and One Amazing Trend

🏈 Get used to Seeing Bears

We 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 shows.

That stretch begins 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.

Will the Primetime Underdog Streak Continue?

Dave Tuley points out a wonderful trend: The NFL primetime underdogs have snapped a 12 game streak — and the first 11 were wins.

The latest is Washington, which was swept 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 doesn’t recommend a straight bet on New England +3. He took a different approach to the spread tonight.

>> Read Dave Tuley’s Week 7 Review

What Do Steve’s Numbers Say?

Steve Makinen identified two league-wide betting systems that make New England more closely watched:

• Thursday home teams in Weeks 1–8 is 22-35-2 ATS (38.6%) since 2019.
• Road teams that average at least 8 yards per pass attempt is 146-108-4 ATS (57.5%) since 2015. Patriots qualify.

Steve’s traditional power rating also suggests that New England is slightly undervalued at +3. But his betting division systems are not unanimous, and his ratings offer only a slight edge.

>> Check out Steve’s Week 7 System, 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 get big support but the spread remains 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 divided

Austin Robinson likes Chicago -3which points to New England’s offensive problems and the Bears’ advantage in the trenches.

Steve S favors New England +3citing the Patriots’ defense and Chicago’s weakness against both the run and pass.

>> Join the Patriots–Bears Discussion

Looking for Player Props?

Check the VSiN Player Prop Analyzer and Opta AI projections to compare the available opportunities with the numbers.

📺 Don’t Miss It Before Kickoff

If you’re planning on betting on tonight’s game, I highly recommend tuning in from 7:30–8 pm ET.

Mitch Moss, Derek Stevens, Chris Wilberding and Keyshawn Johnson break down the matchup, with insights from Circa sportsbook on which part the house needs.

Then stick for 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 has no one to confuse it with Rivalry Week.

But there were three games to bet on, and two VSiN handicappers 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 had a play at Liberty–Kenesaw Statebacked by one of his historically successful betting systems.

>> Check out Steve’s Pick and the System Behind It

Adam Burke has the Best Bet on East Carolina–Memphiswhere recent performances by both teams suggest a chance beyond the point spread.

>> Read Adam’s Review and Best Bets

>> College Football Week 8 Betting Hub

🏀 NBA: Betting Opportunities Hidden in the Schedule

The NBA season continues, and some of Steve Makinen’s favorite scheduling-based betting systems get underway this weekend.

Steve has identified opportunities throughout the 2026-27 schedule based on back-to-backs, travel, rest benefits and other situations that have previously produced profitable betting results.

He highlighted 15 systems across the leaguealong with specific dates and matchups when they apply.

The best part? You can specify these odds even before the betting lines are posted.

>> Check out Steve’s NBA Scheduling Betting Opportunities

Tonight’s NBA picks and props:
NBA Best Bets | Player Prop Analyzer | Opta AI Projection

🏒 NHL: Jonathan Davis likes Sharks Tonight

After two games Wednesday, the NHL returns with 12 games Thursday – and Jonathan Davis sees a chance at San Jose in Ottawa.

The Senators are in 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 would also like 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 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 on 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

Seen in Survivor Sweat: A marketplace listing offer 6% of six live tournament entries for $21,600.

Looking to buy into a live Circa contest — or sell part of one you already own?

>> Browse the Survivor Sweat Marketplace