Matt Nagy has struggled in similar situations while playing for the Chicago Bears, who are significant underdogs in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.
In recent months, Chicago has consistently beaten teams like the Detroit Lions. However, the Bears have not been known for betting on the underdog in recent games.
Nagy was brought on as the head coach of the Bears in 2018. Since then, when faced with odds of more than a field goal underdog, they have recorded a straight up record of 2-18 and a record against the spread of 4-16.
The Steelers and Raiders have both secured two spread wins. However, the Bears were clearly outmatched in their games against the Buccaneers, Browns, Rams, and Packers.
Considering this, the Bears are significant underdogs by more than a touchdown against the 9-2 Cardinals. Check out the game odds for the Bears at Illinois online sportsbooks and a breakdown of the matchup below.
Chiefs vs. Bears chances
Illinois sportsbooks are offering betting options on the Bears. Check out the latest game lines below.
The collection started at seven, but has shifted slightly towards the Cardinals. The progression of the series is significant as it started with a pivotal number.
Upon initial inspection, there seems to be little justification for believing in the Bears in this particular matchup. With Arizona grappling with fractured ribs, the uncertainty of whether Justin Fields or Andy Dalton will start the game further complicates matters.
It is possible that this information may not be very significant for betting reasons. The betting line shifted slightly in favor of the Lions when Dalton was named the starter against Detroit. Dalton had a respectable performance on Thanksgiving, throwing for over 300 yards. However, it is worth noting that many opposing quarterbacks have had success against the Lions this season.
The Bears are often plagued by injuries and have a struggling head coach. Star players Allen Robinson, Eddie Jackson, and Akiem Hicks are also nursing injuries, and Khalil Mack is out for the season.
That being said, the Cardinals are well-versed in dealing with injuries. If they can stay healthy for the rest of the season, they have a real shot at being Super Bowl contenders.
Only in time for Nagy and the Bears, the Cardinals are becoming healthier.
Even with Arizona facing injuries and a COVID outbreak, key players should still be on the field on Sunday as it is a bye year.
Kyler Murray, a talented player, and DeAndre Hopkins, a standout wide receiver, are both part of the team. When Murray joined the Cardinals this season, they had a strong record of 7-1, and he was a leading candidate for the MVP award until he got injured and had to sit out multiple games.
Murray has an impressive average of 8.9 yards per pass attempt this season. He will be facing a Bears pass defense that is ranked 20th in opposing yards per pass attempt. It should be noted that this ranking is somewhat generous, as the Chicago defense was stronger and healthier earlier in the season.