Let’s Hear It for Bears’ Cutler? On 2nd Thought …

December 21, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Sunday smorgasbord: For all those folks thinking about boycotting the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions game at Soldier Field, please reconsider. After all, it could be the last time to boo benched quarterback Jay Cutler as a member of the Bears. And, yes, Sunday’s contest could be coach Marc Trestman’s final home game with the Bears, too. Along with several other folks in shoulder pads and other attire.

Video below of assorted cheerleaders for your perusal.

* Speaking of rooting interests, folks also might want to show up at the Bears game to cheer on Jimmy Clausen. The former Notre Dame quarterback likely will be making his first and last start with the Bears all in one game.

* If you’re a Bears fan and you want something or someone to root for, there’s running back Matt Forte. He is moving up the NFL chart for most receptions by a running back in a season. He has 88. The all-time record is 101 by Arizona’s Larry Centers in 1995. Others ahead of Forte: 101 by LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego, 2003), 99 by Centers (Arizona, 1996), 92 by Roger Craig (San Francisco, 1985) and 91 by Charlie Garner (Oakland, 2002). The guess here (OK, most things around here are uneducated, but that’s another story) is Forte is targeted at least 10 time against the Lions. Part of the reason is a simplified game plan for Clausen and part of the reason is the record.

* Speaking of the record Forte is going after, anyone think he and/or Trestman actually will say they weren’t thinking about it?

* Speaking of catching passes, the NFL record for receptions in a season by anyone is 143 by Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts, 2002).

* Kicker Cody Parkey had six points in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 27-24 loss to Washington. Meaning he has 140 and within striking distance of former Bears kicker Kevin Butler for most points by a rookie (Butler had 144 in 1985).

* Speaking of the Eagles losing, their defeat means Detroit has clinched a postseason berth.

* Speaking of numbers, here are some from the fine folks at Bovada (www.Bovada.lv, Twitter: @BovadaLV) who issued them Wednesday:

ODDS TO WIN THE AFC
New England Patriots 6/5
Denver Broncos 2/1
Indianapolis Colts 9/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 12/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Cincinnati Bengals 18/1
San Diego Chargers 33/1
Kansas City Chiefs 50/1
Buffalo Bills 75/1
Miami Dolphins 200/1
Houston Texans 250/1

ODDS TO WIN THE NFC
Seattle Seahawks 7/4
Green Bay Packers 11/5
Dallas Cowboys 7/1
Detroit Lions 9/1
Arizona Cardinals 12/1
Philadelphia Eagles 14/1
New Orleans Saints 16/1
Carolina Panthers 50/1
Atlanta Falcons 75/1

PLAYOFF ODDS
Will the Bengals, Steelers and Ravens all make the playoffs?
Yes +140 (7/5)
No -175 (4/7)

Will the Baltimore Ravens make the playoffs?
Yes -400 (1/4)
No +300 (3/1)

Will the Buffalo Bills make the playoffs?
Yes +600 (6/1)
No -1000 (1/10)

Will the Cincinnati Bengals make the playoffs?
Yes -200 (1/2)
No +160 (8/5)

Will the Dallas Cowboys make the playoffs?
Yes -275 (4/11)
No +220 (11/5)

Will the Kansas City Chiefs make the playoffs?
Yes +275 (11/4
No -350 (2/7)

Will the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs?
Yes +1000 (10/1)
No -2000 (1/20)

Will the Philadelphia Eagles make the playoffs?
Yes +140 (7/5)
No -175 (4/7)

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers make the playoffs?
Yes -400 (1/4)
No +300 (3/1)

Will the San Diego Chargers make the playoffs?
Yes +250 (5/2)
No -325 (4/13)

PLAYER PROPS
NFL MVP – Odds to Win
Aaron Rodgers (GB) QB: 1/3
Tom Brady (NE) QB: 5/1
J.J. Watt (HOU): 7/1
Andrew Luck (IND) QB: 15/1
Peyton Manning (DEN) QB: 15/1
DeMarco Murray (DAL) RB: 20/1
Le’Veon Bell (PIT) RB: 33/1

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Odds to Win
Odell Beckham 4/7
Mike Evans 2/1
Kelvin Benjamin 5/1
Jeremy Hill 25/1

Odell Beckham Jr. – Total Receiving Yards
(Note: Beckham has more than 90 receiving yards in seven straight games, a rookie record.)
Over/Under 99½

Johnny Manziel – Total Passing Yards
Over/Under 200½

Johnny Manziel – Will he throw a TD Pass Week 16?
Yes -180 (5/9)
No +150 (3/2)

Jonny Manziel – Total Interceptions
Over 1 +120 (6/5)
Under 1 -150 (2/3)

Johnny Manziel – Total Rushing Yards
Over/Under 29½

Johnny Manziel – Will Browns Record a first down on Their First Possession?
Yes -250 (2/5)
No +175 (7/4)

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