The Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears have not lived up to expectations thus far this season. The Eagles were most experts’ pre-season pick to win the NFC but their record stands at just 5-4 straight up and against the spread. It has been an even more disappointing season for the Chicago Bears who had aspirations of winning the NFC North Division with the arrival of new franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler. The Bears have struggled mightily in recent weeks, losing 4 of their last 5 and are just 4-5 SU and ATS. Oddsmakers opened the line at Philly -2.5 but betting action has moved the line to minus 3.

Part of the problem for the Eagles has been injuries to key players such as Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. McNabb is back healthy but Westbrook is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. When healthy, McNabb and the Philadelphia passing game have been outstanding. They are averaging nearly 250 yards a game through the air and McNabb has thrown 12 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. DeSean Jackson has emerged has as a number one receiver and tight end Brent Celek has given McNabb another weapon to throw to. However, the run game has not been nearly as dominant as it has in recent years, mostly because Brian Westbrook has been hampered with injuries all year long. The Eagles are averaging just 100 yards a game on the ground. Rookie LeSean McCoy has done a nice job filling in but is still learning the ropes of what it takes to be an elite back in the NFL.

For Chicago and Jay Cutler, it’s been a season of turnovers. Cutler has thrown for over 2,300 yards in 9 games but has thrown a whopping 17 interceptions as well. Everyone knew that Cutler wouldn’t have the type of weapons he had in Denver but I don’t think anyone would have thought it would have led to so many mental breakdowns and costly mistakes. The fact that Matt Forte and the Bears running backs can’t get anything going on the ground doesn’t help matters either. Forte was one of the top backs in football a year ago but seems to be tentative in the hole and just isn’t as explosive as he was a year ago.

The big question mark will be whether or not Chicago can move the ball on what is still a pretty solid Philly defense. They rank 9th in the NFL in yards allowed and are also 10th in passing defense. Expect them to play their attacking style of defense that will include a lot of blitzing and stunting by the defensive line. The Eagles D will try to confuse Cutler with multiple looks to force him to make more mistakes and turn the ball over. A big challenge for the Bears will be stopping the Philly passing attack with starters who are banged up. Safeties Al Afalava and Kevin Payne are probable but starting cornerback Zackary Bowman is listed as questionable. The Bears have been tough against the pass all year long but time will only tell just how healthy their secondary is.

Get winning sports picks has cashed from Rocky Atkinson right here at Vegas Experts.