The Bears saw their record drop to 3-8 with last weekend’s 27-24 loss in Atlanta, which also marks the team’s fifth defeat in six road contests this season. The Jets will be without starting quarterback Zach Wilson when they return home on Sunday after dropping a 10-3 decision in New England that marks their second loss in three contests.

The Jets have surged to 6-point favourites on the NFL odds since opening as 3.5-point chalk. The total has plummeted to 38.0 since opening at a lofty 48.5, with 61 per cent of the betting action backing the UNDER.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Sunday afternoon’s matchup at MetLife Stadium marks the first meeting between these teams in four years and the first time the Jets have hosted the Bears in the Big Apple since 2014. The Bears have dominated in head-to-head action, winning and covering in five straight meetings since 2000, capped by a 24-10 win when the Jets visited Chicago in 2018.

The Bears have claimed victory by seven or more points in four of their recent wins, including a pair of victories by double-digit margins. Indeed, points have come at a premium for the Jets when facing Chicago, with New York scoring 20 or more just twice in 10 dates since 1985. The Jets’ offensive woes have contributed to a steady 8-2 run for the UNDER.

Chicago Bears

The Bears suffered another heartbreak last weekend in Dixie. After exchanging leads on three occasions, the Falcons finally sealed their narrow with a field goal late in the fourth quarter to extend the Bears’ current slide. Chicago has now managed to keep things close in each of their past three losses, falling to defeat by a combined margin of just seven points. However, this team has still managed to disappoint loyal sports bettors by covering just once over their past three contests, and three times in 10 outings.

Complicating the Bears’ efforts to take the next step in their bid to return to respectability are reports indicating that Justin Fields is suffering from a separated left shoulder. According to the Chicago pivot, he is also dealing with partially torn ligaments which he also suffered after landing on his left shoulder while being tackles in last week’s loss in Atlanta. Losing Fields for any length of time would be a massive blow to the Bears. In addition to tossing for 13 touchdowns, Fields has also emerged as the team’s top rusher with 834 yards and seven scores.

New York Jets

The Jets also face a crisis under centre as they look to Sunday’s contest. In the wake of last week’s brutal performance against the Patriots, Wilson attracted criticism from fans, media, and teammates with his post-game comments rejecting the notion that he had let down the defence down. Wilson has struggled since making a late season debut due to an injury, and has failed to find the end zone in four of his past six outings, and completed fewer than 50 per cent of pass attempts twice in his past three games.

With Wilson on the bench, Mike White will make his first start of the season on Sunday, backed up by veteran Joe Flacco. White hit highs and lows in four appearances last season, connecting on three scores in a stunning 34-31 upset win over Cincinnati, but also turned in a career-worst performance while completing just 54.6 per cent of passes and tossing four picks in a crushing 45-17 loss to Buffalo last November.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Bears vs. Jets?