Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going on various pro football games each weekend this season. Maltepes is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio and has his own website, www.thephillygodfather.com [thephillygodfather.com].
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears, 8:00 p.m. Monday
The Line: Eagles minus-4.5/Total: 46.5
What is the line telling you:
The Eagles are catching a break on Monday night as they head into Chicago with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
The sports betting market has reacted accordingly, with the point spread jumping from Eagles -1.5 to -4.5. The Vegas total has also dropped from 44.5 to 41.5. As of right now, the bet splits show that the early action is all over Philadelphia, with 7 out of every 10 tickets placed on the Eagles.
When it comes to handicapping this game, though, it’s a tough call. Yes, Caleb Williams is out for the Bears, but Chicago has a solid backup in Tyson Bagent, who has shown he can step in and start games while keeping the Bears competitive — assuming he clears concussion protocol.
The other concern if you’re looking to back the Eagles is their inability to cover the spread so far this season. Philly also comes into this matchup with a lower overall team health score, sitting five grades below Chicago.
Personally, I think the Under 41.5 is probably the best way to attack this game. The Eagles’ offense has been struggling and is banged up, while the Bears are dealing with the loss of their starting quarterback — and potentially Bagent as well. If Bagent can’t go, that would leave 38-year-old Case Keenum running the Bears’ offense. Keenum hasn’t played in a game since 2023.
That’s a whole lot of uncertainty under center for Chicago.
On the other side, the Bears’ defense ranks 26th in opponent yards per rush attempt, so I’m expecting Jalen Hurts to use his legs, especially when the Eagles get close to the goal line. If Philly is going to put points on the board, don’t be surprised if Hurts does some of the heavy lifting himself.
Bottom line:
This one has all the makings of an ugly Monday night football game. With the Eagles’ offense banged up, Chicago potentially turning to its third-string quarterback, and the total already dropping three points, I’m looking for a low-scoring, grind-it-out type of game. Give me the under and if Tyson Bagent clears concussion protocol, I will also be betting on the Bears +4.5, if not, it’s a no bet.
Prop bets for the game:
Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown +155
(Betting lines are subject to change.)
