Packers open as four-point underdog to Bears for 2019 season opener

With one game officially on the NFL’s schedule for 2019, the first point spread is up. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will open up the league’s 100th season this September, and at least one online sportsbook has wasted no time in setting odds for that opening game at Soldier Field.

Fanduel — formerly a daily fantasy sports site, but which has transitioned to more of a conventional online sportsbook — has already published odds for that first matchup of 2019. The point spread opened up with the Bears favored by four points, while the money line is as follows:

• Bears -194
• Packers +166

In other words, a bet of $194 on the Bears would pay out $100 if they win. Meanwhile, a bet of $100 on the Packers would pay out $166 if Green Bay pulls the upset.

While the Packers have won 15 of the last 18 games between the two franchises, it should come as no surprise that Chicago is favored for the time being. The Packers finished last season 6-9-1, while the Bears won the division at 12-4. Chicago also fielded one of the league’s top defenses, ranking first in points allowed and third in yardage.

In the meantime, Green Bay will be breaking in a new head coach on the first Thursday of the 2019 season, as Matt LaFleur and his revamped Packers offense will make their debut in that game. Still, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, whose heroics on Sunday Night Football in week one last fall led Green Bay to an improbable comeback victory.

We only have another 163 days to go until this game officially starts the 2019 season. Who’s ready?