Bears vs. Chargers Week 8 SNF odds, picks, predictions, expert betting tips for 'Sunday Night Football'

Vinnie Iyer

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Bears vs. Chargers Week 8 SNF odds, picks, predictions, expert betting tips for 'Sunday Night Football' image

When the Bears (2-5) travel to face the Chargers (2-4) in the penultimate game of NFL Week 8 on "Sunday Night Football" (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), two teams will try to save their fading playoff chances. Chicago comes into the interconference matchup after beating another AFC West team, Las Vegas, at home last week. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is coming off a tough road division loss at Kansas City.

The Bears will once again be starting undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent at quarterback with Justin Fields (right hand) missing a second game. The Chargers will roll out Justin Herbert again, hoping for some sharper play and a win before their AFC wild-card chances.

Here's looking at what to expect when Bagent makes his first road start and Herbert tries to rebound from some mistake-filled play vs. the Chiefs and Cowboys:

Bears vs. Chargers odds, spread, over/under

(All odds courtesy of BetMGM)

Spread: Bears +8.5 (-110) | Chargers -8.5 (-110)
Over/Under: OVER 46.5 (-110) | UNDER 46.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Bears +340 | Chargers -450

The Bears are bigger than touchdown underdogs despite coming through as 'dogs at home vs. the Raiders. The Chargers, despite not looking good at home of late and their offense sputtering, are getting a lot of trust here.

Should you bet the Chargers against the spread?

The Bears don't have the best matchup here. It's a revenge game for former star pass rush Khalil Mack, who should help the Chargers pressure Bagent well. The Chargers can give it up against the run, but they've cleaned up well at times in the red zone. Herbert should also face a non-existent Bears pass rush and can deliver the ball comfortably downfield to multiple weapons. This should also be a key rebound game all-around for Austin Ekeler.

Our Pick: Chargers -8.5 (-110)

Should you bet the Bears-Chargers OVER?

The Chargers have too much firepower between Herbert, Ekeler, and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Palmer to be contained by a shaky Bears defense. The Bears also can have some success on the ground to help Bagent, and D.J. Moore can be schemed open well vs. a bad secondary. There will be a good share of points from both sides to hit the mark.

Our Pick: OVER 46.5 (-110)

Final score prediction: Chargers 30, Bears 20

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.