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Trubisky Returns to Chicago with Bills

Rookie QB Fields Looks to Build Upon Debut for Bears

The Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears look to stay undefeated in the NFL preseason, though it’s Chicago rolling into this matchup with the hype. That’s all thanks to the quarterback messiah himself, rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who led the Bears against Miami in his professional debut

The sportsbook now has Chicago (1-0) as a four-point favorite or -210 on the moneyline. Buffalo (1-0) is +175 and will likely be without starter Josh Allen again. Former Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky could be eyeing a “revenge game” against his former franchise. Look for him to relish the opportunity to outshine his replacement.

Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears
Nic Antaya/Getty Images/AFP

Bills: Homecoming King

A shortened preseason means we get a better look at most of Buffalo’s main guys. Allen is still unsure about playing, but even if he does, it shouldn’t be for more than a few snaps. Trubisky, who only played briefly in the preseason opener, will get a heavier workload this time.

The former No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Trubisky made a Pro Bowl with the Bears but was run out of town due to his inconsistency. It wasn’t entirely on him, though, and he’s now in a better situation in Buffalo where his offensive line is tougher and there is less pressure on him.

Trubisky will lead a Buffalo offense that won’t feature wide receiver Stefon Diggs, but will still have the likes of running back Devin Singletary, tight end Dawson Knox, and possibly wide receiver Gabriel Davis. The defense should also be able to make life harder for Fields and Andy Dalton. The stage is set for Trubisky to stick it to Chicago.

Bears: Encore

Chicago is proudly anticipating an encore from Fields, their prized quarterback who was selected with the 11th pick in this year’s draft. He scored both of Chicago’s touchdowns while passing for 142 yards on 20 attempts vs the Dolphins. However, the Bears’ coaching staff insist that Dalton will be the starter come Week 1 so expect him to see more snaps in this game.

The “Red Rifle” has been a reliable quarterback but is far from spectacular. He should be savvy enough to navigate around the Bills’ improved pass rush despite his offensive line not being up to par.

Dalton will have a platoon of running backs to hand off to, though David Montgomery is the star of the bunch. Chicago still has one of the best defensive front sevens in the NFL and, although it’ll be backups, they should help keep the Bills in check.

Pick: Plenty to Prove

The sample size may be small, but Fields moves like a future star in the league. He should be able to give Buffalo’s defense fits given his talent at attacking with his arm or his legs. And he’s shown the ability to get away from pass rushers.

However, Trubisky and the Bills have the edge on the “now.” Despite the NFL odds, the Bills have a more experienced set-up here. Buffalo has a better offensive line, a better secondary and is equal in both the receiving and running game with each team’s star receivers sitting.

Add the intangible that Trubisky will have that chip on his shoulder and feel inspired to face his former team. Buffalo should be able to pull the upset or, at the least, cover the four points.

Pick: Buffalo Bills +4

Totals Pick: Staying Under

The totals took a bit of a bump for both teams here as books expect some starters and backups to play the bulk of the game. This will lead to better execution on offense as the game will be more watchable than the previous week.

But the same can be said for the defenses, which will ensure points are scored on a premium. Don’t buy the scoring.

Pick: Under 38 (-110)

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