Professional Sports Bettor Steve Fezzik - @FezzikSports breaks down the NFL week with his trusted handicapping expertise— and injury intel powered by SIC Health Scores to see which game offers the sharpest betting edge this week.
Bears Hold Early Edge Against Banged-Up Bengals
The Chicago Bears have made a habit of striking early, ranking among the league’s best on scripted opening drives. Head coach Shane Waldron’s offense has found rhythm early in games, with strong sequencing and balance between play-action and quick passes helping them sustain early momentum.
The Cincinnati Bengals, meanwhile, enter Sunday far from full strength. Quarterback Joe Flacco is expected to play through a shoulder injury, likely requiring an injection just to get through the game. That could limit his arm strength and velocity, especially on early deep shots. Defensively, the Bengals will be without star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who remains sidelined with a nagging hip injury. His absence weakens Cincinnati’s ability to create early pressure, giving Chicago’s offensive line a rare advantage.
With the Bears healthier, better prepared early, and facing a defense missing its most impactful player, the setup favors another fast start from Chicago.
Pick: Chicago Bears To Score First (-125)
Bet Now at bet365 | Bet Now at betMGM | Bet Now at Caesars | Bet Now at FanDuel
Follow this play with our partners
Want more expert injury insights?
Sign up for a free account and newsletter at Sports Injury Central
👉 Try our proven winning premium tools, projections and picks winning at 62% on spreads for FREE.
This week only for new weekly SIC Picks subscriptions!
For FREE unlimited access to SIC Picks this week use promo code: SICNEWS
Sports Injury Central (SIC) is raising the bar for NFL betting confidence in 2025.
For the first time ever, SIC is offering a guaranteed winning record (over 50.1%) on NFL regular-season pregame spread picks from SIC Picks — or subscribers will receive a refund of their annual SIC Picks subscription.
This bold offer is available exclusively to the first 100 new annual SIC Picks subscribers and is powered by the same data-driven algorithms that have made SIC the go-to source for injury analysis, performance projections and predictive betting insights.
👉 Secure Your Guaranteed Season - SIGN UP NOW HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT 56.5% ON SPREADS OVER SIX YEARS!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!




