3* Late Afternoon *Marquee Matchup*

Chicago vs. Denver, 12/11/2011 16:05 EDT, Score: 10 - 13

Point Spread: +3½/-110 Chicago

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Win

3* Late Afternoon *Marquee Matchup* on Bears +3.5
Following back-to-back losses, the Bears need a win in the worst possible way to remain in solid position to make the playoffs. Because the offense has struggled following injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, I'm expecting a special performance from the Chicago defense in this one.
Denver has relied on its running game with Tim Tebow under center, but it won't be able to do so this week. Brian Urlacher and company rank eighth in the NFL against the run with 99.8 yards allowed per game and have held their last seven opponents to an average of 74.3 yards on the ground.
Tebow had a good throwing day against the Minnesota defense, but he won't have as much luck through the air against a superior Chicago stop unit that is tied for 5th in the league with 16 interceptions.
The Bears are an impressive 27-12 ATS in their last 39 games versus good rushing teams averaging 130 rushing yards or more per game.
The Broncos are 6-20 ATS in their last 26 games as a favorite of 3.5-10.0 points and 2-14 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0 points. Bet the Bears.