The Bears are printing money for early believers. Over the past nine games, Chicago sits 9-1 straight up and 8-2 against the spread—a stunning reversal for a team that looked moribund just weeks ago.

Yet the public betting masses remain skeptical.

"The market is still not treating the Bears as a dominant or capable team," Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said. "But beating that Eagles team last week, in that weather, with two 100-yard rushers, that's opened people's eyes."

Coach Ben Johnson's revitalization project enters Week 14 riding a five-game win streak with an overall record of 9-3 SU/8-4 ATS. That Black Friday upset—a 24-15 road victory over Philadelphia as 7-point underdogs—changed the narrative.

Bears vs. Packers: Another Upset in the Cards?

Green Bay (8-3-1 SU/5-7 ATS) enters the showdown as 6.5-point home favorites after its own short-week road victory at Detroit. Caesars opened the line at 5.5 and advanced it to -6.5 by Monday.

The sharp money is trickling in on Chicago's moneyline—action the Bears haven't attracted all season. Point-spread money favors Green Bay, but Feazel expects that to shift before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on FOX.

"There's a little action early on the Bears. Bettors have come in on the moneyline, which is something we haven't seen with the Bears this season," Feazel said. "I don't know if we'll get to 7. I think we'll see a healthy amount of Bears action heading into the weekend. We're probably going to need that Super Bowl middle: The Packers win, but don't cover."

Cowboys vs. Lions: Electric Thursday Night Clash

Dallas (6-5-1 SU/7-5 ATS) has won and covered three straight games, keeping its season alive for now. The Lions (7-5 SU/6-6 ATS) are approaching desperation after dropping two of three.

Caesars opened Detroit as 3-point home favorites for Thursday's 8:15 p.m. ET affair. The line is gravitating toward 2.5 as of Wednesday afternoon.

"Talk about a team attracting a lot of moneyline play lately. That is the Dallas Cowboys," Feazel said. "We're seeing a lot of Cowboys moneyline action on this game, and a ton of action on the Over."

The total sits at 54.5—the highest of any Week 14 game. Two explosive offenses should justify that number, Feazel suggests.

"This game should be electric."

Chiefs in Crisis; Texans Draw Sharp Money

Kansas City (6-6 SU/6-6 ATS) faces an unthinkable scenario: missing the playoffs entirely. For a franchise that's appeared in seven straight AFC Championship Games and won three Super Bowls, sitting at .500 is nearly incomprehensible.

Houston (7-5 SU/7-5 ATS) arrives in Kansas City as the real threat Sunday night. The Texans are riding a four-game win streak, with a defense ranked among the NFL's best. In five of their last six games, Houston has allowed 19 points or fewer.

Caesars opened K.C. as 5-point home favorites. The line has dropped to -3.5 by Wednesday.

The sharp-versus-public divide is stark here. Professional bettors back the Texans while casual money piles on the Chiefs.

"It's wild to think that this team is not gonna make the playoffs," Feazel said. "So far, we're seeing a lot of Chiefs action on the spread and the moneyline, but the market is going the other way. Respected action has come in on the Texans. This seems like a Pros vs. Joes game. Sharp bettors are on the Texans, and the public is staying with the Chiefs. We're gonna be big Texans fans."

Professional bettor Randy McKay backs Houston at +3.5.

"This Houston team is more healthy, and the offensive line is improving," McKay said. "Houston's defense is No. 1 in the league and should give Kansas City's offense and injured offensive line trouble."

Bengals' Long-Shot Revival

Cincinnati (4-8 SU/5-7 ATS) refuses to die despite dismal odds. QB Joe Burrow returned last week from a nine-game toe injury and delivered an immediate 32-14 upset at Baltimore as 7.5-point underdogs.

The Bengals face Buffalo (8-4 SU/6-6 ATS) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The Bills have alternated wins and losses over their last five games.

Caesars opened Buffalo as 5.5-point home favorites. Underdog money is flowing in on Cincinnati—unusual action this late in the season.

"The Bills' season has left a lot to be desired, losing games that they shouldn't have. And the action here is reflecting that," Feazel said. "So far, we're seeing Bengals money flowing in. It's interesting seeing 'dog action coming in this late in the season. It's usually favorite money coming in hand over fist."

The Big Bets

A DraftKings customer faced devastating consequences from one wager. The bettor placed $150,000 on Giants +7 against New England in Week 13, watching New York lose 33-15.

A luckier BetMGM customer timed the market perfectly. Before the Bears' Eagles upset, the bettor wagered $50,000 on Chicago at +6600 to win the Super Bowl, positioning for a $3.3 million payday if the Bears capture it all. After beating Philadelphia, Chicago's odds shortened to +3000—reducing that potential profit to $1.5 million.

The lesson: Big bets don't guarantee big wins. They guarantee big losses can follow.