Justin Fields’ odds to be Bears starting QB in Week 1 improve after strong preseason debut

Chicago Bears fans have been pining for a quality starting quarterback for most of the franchise’s history. This year, the team traded up nine spots in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Excitement was high for the electrifying college star, particularly after he started impressing in training camp.

One preseason game is now down and expectations have only grown. Fields struggled in his first two series, although he was not helped by poor field position. However, he closed out the second quarter with a solid drive that netted a field goal, and then put together a pair of touchdown drives in the second quarter. He finished the game with two quarters of play, completing 14-of-20 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown, and adding 33 rushing yards and a touchdown.

His performance came against a mix of second- and third-string talent, but it was a solid performance, regardless. It builds some momentum as the team figures out who between Fields and Dalton will get what work the rest of the preseason. Dalton played two series and had four pass attempts on Saturday. He didn’t do much, but the Bears know what they have with him.

Regardless of the competition level, it’s not surprising to see some odds movement at DraftKings Sportsbook around Fields’ chances of starting the Bears Week 1 regular season opener. Prior to Saturday’s game, the sportsbook had NO on Fields’ odds of taking the Bears first offensive snap in Week 1 at -350 and YES at +250. Following Saturday’s performance, NO is now at -250 and YES is at +190. Still somewhat long odds, but shortening up. It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the handle on YES boost over the next 24 hours.

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