New York
Jets
Spread
+3.5
NFL Predictions
New York Jets vs Chicago Bears Predictions
Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 1:00pm EST at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
@
Chicago
Bears
Spread
-3.5
50%
50%
Spread
New York Jets +3.5
Chicago Bears -3.5
Moneyline
New York Jets +164
Chicago Bears -198
Total
Over 43.5 (-110)
Under 43.5 (-110)
Who wins this game?
Professional Picks
7 listed
Professional Picks On This Game
Tom Strickland
Spread pick
Matt O'Brien
Total pick
Wes Salvato
Spread pick
Frank Obst
Spread pick
Bryan Pratt
Total pick
Scott Steele
Spread pick
Franny DiStefano
Total pick
Jets vs. Bears Prediction: Chicago Favored, but Injuries Point to a Pass
Analysis updated October 4, 2026 at 7:14 AM CDT
The Jets’ offensive absences favor Chicago, but Tyson Bagent’s expected start makes the Bears difficult to back at -185 or -3.5.
Jets’ absences favor Chicago
ABC7 Chicago / Associated Press reports that New York will be without running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor and left guard Dylan Parham. Losing four offensive starters gives Chicago the clearest matchup advantage and helps explain why the Bears are 3.5-point home favorites.
The New York Jets announced that they elevated wide receiver Sterling Shepard and linebacker Jaden Keller from the practice squad. Shepard caught a game-tying two-point conversion in his Jets debut last week, but his promotion does not establish how New York will replace Hall, Mitchell and Taylor.
Why the pick is a pass
ABC7 Chicago / Associated Press reports that Tyson Bagent is expected to start at quarterback for Chicago. The available evidence does not provide enough current performance information to price that change confidently, so backing the Bears at -185 carries more uncertainty than the Jets’ absences alone suggest.
Chicago is the likelier winner, but neither available side offers a clear wager. The Bears must cover 3.5 points with an expected quarterback change, while the Jets’ depleted offense makes taking the points difficult. There also is not enough evidence to support a bet on the 43.5 total, priced at +100 on the over and -120 on the under.
Pick
Chicago Bears
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass