SPORTS N STUFF

While the spotlight in New York the past couple of days has been on the statement of a quarterback that is actually outside of the Jets organization, the focused hasnt changed for a team that is looking to get back into the postseason in the NFC. The New York Giants feel as though they have made the necessary changes to be a playoff team once again, and theyll face another good test on the road to the regular season this week against one of the teams that they will have to overcome to get in, the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears @ New York Giants
Monday August 22, 2011 8:00 PM ET
New Meadowlands Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

NFL Betting Lines: New York Giants – 3
The Bears won the NFC North a year ago, but will have a tough time holding off the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers to clinch the division in consecutive years. That would mean that the Giants and Bears could both be challenging for Wild Card spots, and it will be interesting to see how far along each team is in week two of the preseason.
NFL Betting Preview: Chicago Bears

The Bears offensive line was absolutely blown up by the Buffalo Bills in week one of the preseason, and will be the main focus for improvement in week two. Chicago cut longtime center and team captain Olin Kreutz a couple of weeks ago, and they may come to regret that move in time if the line cant get things together. Offensive line coach Mike Tice is one of the better minds in the game, so he should be able to make things work. Quarterback Jay Cutler came to camp 10 pounds lighter and has looked more mobile in practice, but the Bears would prefer not to test that mobility on the field.

NFL Betting Preview: New York Giants

When Eli Manning came out and said that he felt that he was in the same class of quarterback as Tom Brady, they sports betting media had a field day picking apart his flaws. Whether or not he can handle that pressure and criticism going forward will be interesting, and it would really help him if the running game could get going to open things up for him. The Giants defense has preached pressure all training camp as they look to get back to terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. The Bills lead the NFL in sacks after one week of preseason action, so there will be no excuse for New York not to follow in their footsteps.

NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Although it doesnt count for anything in the long run, the Bears were fortunate to get the result that they did in week one, and it wont be a surprise if things fall apart on the road in week two. There is an added element of intrigue in this game, Mannings first since making his comments about his sports betting bonus level of play.

NFL Betting Pick: New York Giants – 3