The NFL has decided to do away with tradition. This time around, the #NFLTradeDeadline has mirrored Major League Baseball in its fun and intensity. Teams are participating in an ever-evolving arms race, and when infused with playoff aspirations and job security concerns, every team is in position to make a move.
The wind knocked over one of Tuesday’s first dominos when the Chicago Bears traded for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool. The Notre Dame product has caught 32 of 50 targets for 311 yards and a touchdown in the first half of 2022.
What does Claypool bring to Chicago?
Claypool’s rollercoaster of a Steelers tenure ended with poor quarterback play, and it might not get much better. However, the Bears are witnessing a Justin Fields hot streak that many felt would never come and have decided to capitalize. Hoping to stimulate his development further, general manager Ryan Poles sent their own second-round pick in the deal. Claypool is under contract until the end of next season.
He brings with him a build privy to red zone targets and jump balls downfield. He’ll likely play the “big slot” role envisioned for players like Drake London and Evan Engram. This gives Fields a second talented threat opposite (or next to) Darnell Mooney. Per ESPN’s new receiver scores, Claypool has been the 20th best wide receiver this year and the 52nd since the start of 2021.
Taking attention away from Mooney is a nice boost, as is his big frame for Fields to hit. He’ll inherently provide an instant impact on their passing attack. Where his impact may fly under the radar, though, is in the run game. His ability to block was big for Pittsburgh, and in Chicago’s run-heavy attack, leveraging that strength will be a priority.
There’s no doubt about it: Claypool makes the Bears 🐻 offense better. By how much and if it is worth a second-rounder are questions that remain unanswered. For Fields, though, any deal was a good deal. His job has been made easier.
Should this trade affect our bets?
I won’t be mailing in any Fields MVP ballots, I think this acquisition is notable enough to adjust our expectations of the Bears offense. In conjunction with the Roquan Smith trade, checking in on their over/under marks could be valuable.
Currently, the over has hit in four of Chicago’s eight games. Last week, their game against the Dallas Cowboys blew past the over, generating 78 points compared to the line of 42.5! You can learn more about total points wagers in our Basic Tips section.
For now, you can take advantage of DraftKings’ BetBasics promotion: BET $5 GET $150 IN BONUS BETS. They currently have the total for the Bears’ Week 9 contest against the Miami Dolphins at 45.5. Both defenses are bad, and I don’t expect Bradley Chubb to change things overnight. With Chicago’s deadline moves and a hot Fields, taking the “over” feels like one of the better bets of the week. Currently, that wager has -110 odds, meaning an $100 bet could win $90.90 in profit 🤑.
BASIC TIPS
Over/under (a.k.a “total” bets) are as simple as they sound. The book projects the score of the game, adds the two, and gives you the opportunity to take the over or under for the total of both teams’ scores, combined. Generally, it is smarter to take the under when spreads hit double-digits. This week, the market may not buy Fields’ development as a passer. If the last few weeks have moved you, consider taking the over in his #NFLWeek9 contest.