Washington Redskins vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

After losing last week in overtime to San Francisco, the Chicago Bears are now just 1-8 straight up and 3-6 against the spread in their last nine home games. The Bears hope to buck that trend when they host the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field Sunday.

Point spread: The Bears opened as one-point favorites; the total was 44 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 29.8-14.6 Bears

Why the Redskins can cover the spread

Two weeks ago, the Redskins knocked off the Giants to claim a share of the lead in the NFC East. Unfortunately, they couldn't follow that up and lost Monday night to Dallas 19-16. The Redskins fell down to the Cowboys 16-9 with just over one minute to go, re-tied the game on a Kirk Cousins-to-DeSean Jackson touchdown connection just 30 seconds later, but gave up a long kickoff return and lost on a long Cowboys field goal in the waning moments.

Cousins, for his part, hit on 22 of 31 throws Monday night and now owns an 11-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last five games. Meanwhile, the Washington defense has held three of its last four opponents to 19 points or less.

Why the Bears can cover the spread

Chicago had won three of four games, including that upset at Green Bay a couple weeks ago, but it lost last week at home to the 49ers 26-20 in overtime. The Bears led that game early 6-0, but Jay Cutler threw another pick-six. Chicago later led by a touchdown on two other occasions, but allowed San Francisco to tie the score both times.

The Bears then had a chance to win the game in regulation, but kicker Robbie Gould, usually a very solid bet, whiffed from 36 yards. Chicago then lost on a 71-yard Blaine Gabbert touchdown pass on the third possession of overtime.

On the day, the Bears outgained the Niners 364-291 and won time of possession by over 12 minutes. Usually, advantages like that lead to wins and covers in the NFL.

Smart pick

At the moment, Washington is the typical schizophrenic NFL team, alternating wins and losses its last seven times out. Last week, the Redskins lost, so if recent form holds, they'll give a good effort this week. Plus, they're getting points against a team that's only been favored one other time this season, and Chicago lost that game outright. The smart money here wagers on Washington.

Betting trends

The Redskins are 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS in their last eight games as underdogs against the Bears.

The Bears are 0-7 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games in December.

The Redskins are 0-9 SU in their last nine games on the road.

All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line movement updates and get the free odds tracker app.