Bears' ATS Success Under Ben Johnson Faces New England Test

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Chicago’s Success Under Ben Meets a Sell-High, Buy-Low Betting Approach

The Bears are 13-3 under Ben and 13-2-1 against the spread in 16 non-NFC North games. Many of those games came as underdogs, highlighting their success outside the division. His offense remains as complicated as it was in Detroit, which can make it difficult for unfamiliar opponents to prepare, especially with New England facing a short week.

Still, New England should not be dismissed based on its play over the past couple of weeks. The broader betting approach is to sell high and buy low against the spread in the NFL. Players who feel disrespected often respond well, while teams receiving heavy praise can come back down to earth.

Most NFL teams are relatively similar, with the quarterback and a small number of other players often serving as the main separators. That makes situational factors and current market perception especially important.

Teams that begin 0-6 both outright and against the spread are also worth monitoring because most teams eventually move closer to .500 against the spread. Houston began covering after failing to do so early, and even if the Chargers finish 2-15, they are likely to cover some spreads before the season ends, particularly with large lines ahead.

Those factors make the spot appear to favor Chicago slightly. However, it would be easier to buy back in after seeing the team fully healthy, facing a good opponent in a back-to-back scenario and winning. The Week 1 victory over Carolina also looks better now given how the Panthers have played recently.