The NFL kicks off the regular season on Thursday with Packers at Bears

Many analogies could be invented summarizing an NFL fan's feelings finally seeing the end of another forgettable, meaningless NFL pre-season. Walking out of the dentist office, April 16th, etc. Here’s hoping you didn't wager one dollar on what it used to be called before the NFL changed the name to glamorize it. Enticing us to stay tune-in: Exhibition football.

Thursday night brings welcome relief to what will look, sound and be very real as the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field in Chicago, taking on the Bears in the NFL’s oldest traditional rivalry. It will kick-off the NFL’s centennial 100th season. Perhaps in no coincidence, Betty White, celebrating her 97th birthday has been doing the promos all week for the NBC telecast.

On the Field

Much has changed welcoming a new era in Green Bay. Respected head coach Mike McCarthy is no longer with the Packers. He'll be replaced by former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. That is soothing news for star QB Aaron Rodgers, who at times had a strained relationship with McCarthy. On the other hand, added pressure now with no off-the-field excuse. 

Green Bay’s perennially strong offense will get a test opening the season. Chicago made the playoffs last season with one of the NFL’s top defenses, led by All-Pro players like Khalil Mack and former Packers strong safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy is hoping his squad can build off last season and erase their disappointing playoff loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bears won the division for the first time since 2010, ending the regular season with a strong 12-4 record.

They’ll be facing a new look Packers when they hit the field Thursday. Long-time Packer Jordy Nelson announced his retirement, while Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb have since transitioned to other teams.

The 2018 season saw the Packers ranked 22nd in rushing yardage, but surprisingly only 9th in passing yardage. Meanwhile, the Bears were ranked 11th in rushing yardage and a weak 21st in passing yards. Again, pointing to defense and winning close games as significant assets, two factors that have many questioning Chicago to repeat their success this season. They also will be holding their breath debuting a new kicker to replace "double-doink" Cody Parkey. A name that might live in Chicago lore right behind Steve Bartman.

On the Betting Board

5Dimes Action

Top sportsbook 5Dimes currently has the game line listed at -3 I wouldn’t expect that to move either way up until game time.  Another indicator is that 5Dimes has the Bears listed at a modest -115 connected to that -3 figure, indicating very balanced play on both sides. Adding to that, most sportsbooks rarely move off that traditional '-3' game line number unless there is very significant action on either side. 

The Over/Under Total posted at 46.5 by 5Dimes might be a slightly different issue. I would expect that number to potentially rise another half point to 47 by game time with perfect weather conditions and no significant injury postings in a Game One match-up. Also, the typical, isolated televised game, where many novice bettors fear being eliminated early. If you like over the total, now is likely your time to invest. 

Future Book Action

Keep in mind the next few days before regular season kick-off are the probably the best opportunity taking full advantage of Future Book odds involving Super Bowl odds, regular season wins/loss totals, etc. Ironically, both the Bears and Packers are currently listed at +2000 for the Super Bowl. And incredibly, they join the Minnesota Vikings, all being at +200 to win the rugged NFC North division with the Detroit Lions a longshot at +900.

Are you Ready for Some Football!!  Real NFL Football??

Yeah, I thought so….

Glenn Greene covers the games from a betting angle every week exclusively at OSGA.com. For weekly betting insights, including previews and picks from Glenn, click here.