Washington at Chicago Odds, Free Pick & TV Info

The Chicago Bears (3-11) are just playing out the string as they play their home finale on Saturday — will it be the final game in Chicago for coach John Fox? The Bears host the Washington Redskins (7-6- 1), who are on a really short week after losing Monday night at home to Carolina to severely damage the Skins’ playoff hopes. Let’s take a look at the NFL odds for the game.

Washington at Chicago Odds, Free Pick & TV Info

1. #Redskins‘ run game struggled. 2. Focus turns to the Bears.
More from #CARvsWAS: https://t.co/cVJNZqzrG4 pic.twitter.com/vYjQFtlau3 — Washington Redskins (@Redskins) December 20, 2016

When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 1 PM ET Where: Soldier Field, Chicago TV: Fox Radio: Washington / Chicago Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Lines: Redskins -3 (45.5)

Why Bet on Washington?

The Redskins lost 26-15 at home to Carolina on Monday. The Panthers became the fourth straight opponent to take a first-quarter lead on Washington and accumulated 438 total yards, averaging an efficient 6.1 yards on 72 plays. The Redskins just weren’t able to sustain their effectiveness on offense. They gained just 29 rushing yards against the fifth-best run defense in the league entering the game, and Robert Kelley accounted for just eight rushing yards on nine carries. Kelley got absolutely nothing going on the ground, with his longest gain being his five-yard touchdown scamper late in the second quarter. But Kelley was able to make noise in the pass game, catching all four of his targets for 47 yards. The Redskins had had five three-and- outs in the game; they had just 15 in its first 13 games of the season. QB Kirk Cousins finished 32 of 47 for 315 yards and two turnovers, including a costly sack-fumble on the first play of the second half. Cousins continues to struggle since his lights-out performance against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. In the three games since, he’s averaged just over 273 yards with a total of three touchdowns and three interceptions. His ball placement simply seemed a tad off Monday night. DeSean Jackson caught 7-of- 10 targets for 111 yards. He had a terrible drop on a short 3rd-and- 4 pass to kill one drive with the Redskins trailing 20-9 and trying to make a move on the Panthers. But Jackson has now topped 100 yards in three of his last four games after not doing so from Weeks 2-11. Redskins TE Jordan Reed was ejected from Week 15 after punching Panthers SS Kurt Coleman in the third quarter. Reed had just one catch before the incident. He’s dealing with an injured shoulder but shouldn’t be suspended. Washington controlled its playoff fate entering Monday but no longer does. Now to get a wild-card spot, the Skins must win out and get help. Washington will need the Packers to lose one of their final two games against the Vikings and Lions, and hope the Bucs do the same against either the Saints (who will be harboring some long shot playoff hopes of their own) and Carolina.

Why Bet on Chicago?

The Bears are on an extra day of rest. They lost last week 30-27 to Green Bay. Chicago was down 27-10 entering the fourth but tied it on a field goal by Connor Barth with 1:19 left. The Packers took over at their 27, and on third-and- 11 at the 26, Aaron Rodgers unleashed a deep pass down the middle of the field to Jordy Nelson, who got behind Cre’Von LeBlanc. That led to the winning field goal at the gun. The Packers and Bears are now even in their all-time rivalry, 93-93- 6. It’s the first time they’ve been even since 1933 (when it was 11-11- 4). Chicago’s Matt Barkley threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns, but was picked off three times. Alshon Jeffery came on strong near the end to finish with 89 yards on six catches in his return from a four-game suspension. Deonte Thompson led Chicago with 110 yards receiving. Jordan Howard rushed 17 times for 90 yards and a touchdown, adding four receptions for 23 additional yards. Howard has now rushed for at least 77 yards in seven straight games, averaging 4.5 yards per carry or more six times in the process. WR Eddie Royal was placed on injured reserve, ending a disappointing two-year stretch for the veteran receiver in Chicago. He is the 18th Bear to go on IR this season. Meanwhile, veteran inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman returned from a four-game PED suspension on Monday and is expected to play against Washington.