Indianapolis Colts @ Chicago Bears – Sunday September 5, 2012 1:00PM EST
The NFL betting world has seen the potential in Indianapolis rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, but the experts also know that the potential was put on display in the preseason. Colts fans can try and dress it up any way they want, but the fact is that Luck's first real test will be on opening day against the Chicago Bears in Chicago. The Chicago defense is extremely anxious to welcome Luck to the NFL for real and let the new Indianapolis Colts see what it really means to be in the NFL.
The Bears may have something this year with its offense. When Chicago brought in wide receiver Brandon Marshall in the off-season, no two people were happier than Marshall and quarterback Jay Cutler. The football betting sites remember the success that the two had in Denver and fully expect them to find that success again in Chicago. The one challenge that Cutler will have to overcome is, once again, his offensive line is not as proficient at pass blocking as it needs to be. Hopefully, that will improve as time goes by.
Indianapolis Colts
When the bookies refer to the Colts as the "new look" Colts, they aren't kidding. Not only is most of the Colts starting offense new to the team, but defensive lineman Dwight Freeney has been moved to outside linebacker to try and give his career a much-needed jolt. It looks like Freeney is adapting very well to the move and that could mean big problems for Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte in this game. The rest of the Colts' defense is still adjusting to the many changes that the off-season brought and, for much of the 2012 season, the Colts' defense will be a work in progress.
Chicago Bears
The Bears' defense will start the 2012 season the same way it ended the 2009 season; without linebacker Brian Urlacher. It looks like Urlacher has suffered a wrist injury that will keep him out of the season opener. A sportsbooks review of the Bears' defense shows that the unit was unable to address the concerns it had on the line during training camp. Defensive lineman Julius Peppers remains the only real pass rushing threat that the Bears have. With Urlacher out, the middle of the field opens up for the Colts' running game. These are the challenges that the Bears will have to address as the season opens.
The Bottom Line
Despite the injuries and uncertainty on defense, the Chicago Bears still have one of the more talented defenses in the NFL. Andrew Luck will learn a lot in this game but, unfortunately, how to win an NFL regular season game will not be one of the things he learns. The Bears will punish Luck and the rookie will be a better quarterback because of it.
BSNblog Free Pick: Chicago Bears
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