LAS VEGAS — Johnny and Linda Avello led a group of their kids and grandkids on an experience through Italy that consisted of Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast.
Herculaneum was Johnny’s emphasize. He understood Pompeii, and this newly found location is smaller sized, southwest of Mount Vesuvius, time frozen in ash from 79 A.D.
Some Chicago fans may think their Bears have actually been hibernating that long.
Their huge sleep, however, just extends to 2007. Since then, they’ve won just one championship game and sport a league-worst 112-142-8 record, according to TeamRankings.com, versus the spread.
Avello, DraftKings’ Vegas-based director of race and sportsbook operations, returned home to manage his staff’s lining of every NFL video game for the upcoming season.
The NFL launched its complete schedule May 11. The DK point spreads followed.
Chicago was tapped as a preseason favorite in 6 of 17 video games.
However, for the very first time considering that 1991, Green Bay will not include a quarterback called -Favre or Rodgers, who were a combined 47-18 in the routine season versus the Bears.
Fourth-year greenhorn Jordan Love will pilot the Packers.
“You like competition, but you want to win,” Avello, 70, said of Chicago’s long predicament versus the Pack. “Love is very unproven, so [the Bears] should be able to win at least one of those games, if not both.
“I think it’s encouraging to Bears fans. Yeah, they’ll be happy.”
A WEAKER NFC NORTH
The Westgate SuperReserve launched those early chances the last 2 seasons with approaches most likely comparable to how DraftKings runs.
Two seasons back, the SuperBook had Chicago preferred in 4 video games; it won 6. Last season, the Bears were preseason favorites just 2 times; they made 3 triumphes.
This season, nevertheless, the Bears are likewise underdogs of 2 or less points in 6 video games, so a 2nd double-digit-victory campaign in 11 seasons is possible.
“A couple of times, they’re short favorites at home,” Avello said. “And a couple of times, they’re short dogs on the road. So those games, obviously, can go either way. Even a seven-point underdog can go either way, the games are so close.”
In reality, just one Chicago video game has a line of more than 7 points. The Bears are 9.5-point underdogs (+330 on the moneyline to win straight-out) at safeguarding champ Kansas City on Sept. 24.
DK has Detroit preferred 12 times, Minnesota 9 and 6 for Green Bay.
“The [NFC North] is weaker,” Avello said. “The Packers are no longer … well, we don’t know. The Packers, a team that the Bears just could never beat, don’t appear to be a force. That’s more favorable to Chicago.
“The Lions look to be a better team. They won nine games last year, including eight of their last 10.”
He called the Vikings “fortunate,” like lots of did as 2022-23 unfolded, for going 13-4 regardless of being outscored 427-424.
“Minnesota is still probably one of the better teams in the division, but the Bears certainly have a chance. They’ll improve on last year, that’s for sure. The question is: How much will they improve?”
BIG MENUS
DraftKings has actually developed a success overall of 7.5 for the Bears; Over -135, Under +115. Think Chicago will win a minimum of 8 video games? Risk $135 to win $100.
Green Bay is 7.5, too; Over -105, Under -115. Detroit is 9.5; Over -105, Under -115. Minnesota is 8.5; Over -130, Under +110.
(Odds and costs subject to alter.)
In Vegas, Station Casinos developed the Lions as the +110 preferred to win the NFC North, then Minnesota (+275), the Bears (+325) and Green Bay (+400).
The SuperBook has the Lions’ department chances at +135, the Bears and Vikings both at +325, +420 for Green Bay.
To make the playoffs, the South Point made Detroit’s Yes chances -160, No +140; Minnesota Yes +120, No -140; the Bears Yes +160, No -180; and Green Bay Yes +175, No -200.
Circa Sports has the Packers at 17-to-1 chances to make the Super Bowl. Detroit is +675, while both Chicago and Minnesota are 21-1.
Back at DraftKings, Arizona isn’t preferred in any of its 17 video games, and Kansas City is preferred in every tilt. The Cardinals’ season-win overall is 4.5; Over -130, Under +110. The Chiefs’ is 11.5; -140 Over, +120 Under.
Long Island handicapper Tom Barton likes both Baltimore and Jacksonville Over 9.5 wins; the Ravens at -150, the Jaguars at -135.
He likewise prefers Jacksonville getting 3.5 points versus Buffalo in London on Oct. 8, considering that the Jaguars — who play Atlanta there the previous Sunday — will have remained in England for a number of weeks.
Barton said, “That [second] London game will be lost on so many people.”
For him, however, that’s an abnormality. Barton recommended waiting, to see how groups establish and defend against injuries or other surprises, when wagering particular video games.
Ditto for New Jersey native and veteran Vegas handicapper Bill Krackomberger, who called the Bears and Chiefs really public groups, whose video game spreads and season-victory chances are pumped up by zealous advocates.
“They have for decades. The proper mathematical play is doing some line shopping and betting Under [season-wins totals]. The books know which way the public bets, so they will be adding juice to plays like Bears’ Overs.”
BEARS’ SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Line
9/10 Packers -2.5
9/17 at Bucs -1.5
9/24 at Chiefs +9.5
10/1 Broncos +1.5
10/5 at Commanders +1.5
10/15 Vikings +1
10/22 Raiders -1
10/29 at Chargers +5.5
11/5 at Saints +2.5
11/9 Panthers -2
11/19 at Lions +5
11/27 at Vikings +3.5
12/3 Bye
12/10 Lions +1.5
12/17 at Browns +3.5
12/24 Cardinals -4.5
12/31 Falcons -2
1/7 at Packers +2
Source: DraftKings
