Lots of moving prop bet parts in Week 5’s Monday night matchup between the Vikings (-4) and Bears (+165).
First-round pick Mitch Trubisky makes his debut at quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, all signs point to Sam Bradford returning to the position for the Vikings after missing the past three games with a knee injury. All eyes will be on the Vikings pass game as the team lost rookie running back Dalvin Cook to a torn ACL.
On defense, Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan is suspended tonight for his hit on Packers receiver Davante Adams. Fellow linebackers Willie Young (elbow) and Nick Kwiatkoski (chest) are doubtful. This should open up the middle of the field for Bradford.
All prop odds courtesy of Sportsbook.
Sam Bradford Total TD Passes O/U 1 ½
The Bet: OVER (-105)
The Chicago Bears secondary has allowed 221 pass yards per game and seven pass touchdowns without an interception through four games. With Cook out, I look for the Vikings to air things out with their healthy corps of receivers.
Kyle Rudolph Total Receptions O/U 3 ½
The Bet: OVER (-135)
Rudolph averaged better than five receptions on eight targets per game with Bradford last season. This was highlighted by 16 receptions on 21 targets against Chicago. With the Bears linebacking corps downgraded in this matchup, this is my most confident prop bet among the group.
Adam Thielen Total Receptions O/U 5
The Bet: OVER (-135)
This carries some slight risk, but again the middle of the field will be softer than normal and Thielen possesses a slight advantage on Bryce Callahan. I wouldn’t be shocked to see more routes out of the slot for him as Bradford works to get his live-action timing back.
Latavius Murray Total Rush Yards O/U 47 ½
The Bet: UNDER (-105)
The offseason free-agent acquisition admitted last week that his ankle is still less than 100 percent after offseason surgery. With Cook out for the season, it’s a running back committee with him and Jerick McKinnon. Those factors combined with the Bears rush defense – 85.5 YAPG – has me fading the OVER.
Touchdown Scored Anytime
The Bet: Stefon Diggs (+125)
According to Pro Football Focus, Diggs has the most favorable matchup among receivers against cornerback Kyle Fuller. Although Fuller has posted improved metrics – which according to PFF includes no TDs scored on him – the Vikings’ top receiver didn’t miss a beat with Bradford sidelined. He’s averaged 6-7 receptions and 135 receiving yards per game with two touchdowns over the past two weeks. Bradford and Diggs connected seven times for 93 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints in Week 1.
