Bears Stand Out in the Super Bowl Race

The Chicago Bears have become one of the most closely watched stories as the NFL season approaches its midpoint. According to Johnny Avello, director of sportsbook operations at Las Vegas-based DraftKings, the Bears have become a genuine contender for the Super Bowl title. On Monday night, November 2, the team beat defending champion Seattle Seahawks 34-17, improving its record to 6-2.

At DraftKings, the Bears are priced at +750 to win the Super Bowl. At those odds, the Bears rank behind only the San Francisco 49ers (+550) and Buffalo Bills (+600). The team's odds have risen from +3000 to their current level.

The Bears' rise has also been helped by their addition of All-Pro defensive player Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. The team completed the trade on October 29, sending two first-round picks (2027 and 2028) and a fourth-round pick (2027) in return. The NFL trade deadline is November 10. Avello said the Bears' odds moved from +1400 to +1200 after the move.

Avello said surprises have increased during the first eight weeks, and parity between teams has grown. As an example, he pointed to the Cincinnati Bengals' 43-36 overtime win over the Titans last week. According to Avello, predicting which team will surprise in a given week is becoming increasingly difficult.

Interest in the Bears' Super Bowl chances has grown noticeably in recent weeks. Avello said that heavy betting demand on the team's championship odds has come in, especially over the last two days. He added that the Bears' large national fan base keeps interest high whenever the team is playing.