Bears at Giants Week 11: Game preview, odds, prediction

The New York Giants look to take their win streak to five as they host the reeling Chicago Bears.

What started as uncertainty for the New York Giants has quickly blossomed into something better. Winners of four straight, the Giants are in prime position to clinch their first playoff berth since 2011. The Chicago Bears enter this game boasting a 2-7 record and having lost three of their last four games. On paper, this is a game the Giants should win easily, but when playing against Eli Manning, who ranks 22^nd out of 32 NFL quarterbacks, anything is possible.

The Giants are favored in this contest as they are 4-1 at home this season. They also seem to be firing on all cylinders at this point of the season behind star receiver Odell Beckam Jr., who in the last four games has 414-yards and five touchdowns. The Giants will need more from their quarterback who has thrown two interceptions per game in their last three out of four games.

The Bears can’t seem to catch a break this season; they come into this game after losing last week to the Buccaneers. Sitting in last place in the NFC North division, the Bears have had their share of issues this season starting at the quarterback position. Jay Cutler, who returned to action in week eight, has already thrown four interceptions and only three touchdowns. The loss of Pro Bowl receiver Alshon Jeffrey, who was suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances, will be devastating for an already weak Chicago offense.

Odds:

Point spread: Chicago +9

Over/Under: 44/45

Prediction: New York cannot overlook the Bears in this game. The Giants will look to take advantage of a Bears defense that ranks 19th in points allowed (23.9) and 11th in yards allowed (341.2). Despite the loss last week, Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark for the fourth time this season. They will need him to continue his ground dominance if they want any shot against the Giants, who suddenly are one of the hottest teams in the league. New York should come out victorious in this match-up, assuming that Manning can protect the ball and not give Chicago extra opportunities to figure things out.

Pick: Bears 14, Giants 27