Stephen Nover's Preseason Game of the Week
(NFL) Philadelphia vs. Chicago, 08/08/2014 4:00 PM, Score: 28 - 34
Total: 42.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Loss
Bettors have been steaming the over during Week 1 of the preseason. They have gone too far in this matchup. The oddsmaker isn't stupid. He purposely opened this matchup high for a first preseason game and now the marketplace has pushed the total more than a field goal higher.

It's time now to step in and fade the move by going under the total.

Both defenses should be improved, but we know the Bears and Eagles are all about offense. In this matchup, though, Jay Cutler only is going to make a token appearance.

Journeymen Jimmy Clausen and Jordan Palmer are going to see the bulk of the playing time as Bears coach Marc Trestman needs to find out who is going to be his backup quarterback. Clausen didn't even sign with Chicago until June 7. The Bears will be missing their No. 3 wideout and their starting tight end is suspended.

The Eagles' starting offense only is going to play a couple of series. DeSean Jackson no longer is with the team leaving Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin as their two best receivers. Cooper won't play and Maclin could miss the game, too. This leaves the receiving chores up to rookies and veterans not expected to make the team.

There is a wind factor, too, as the weather forecast is for winds blowing 18-to-20 mph.