Ja'Marr Chase's Week 1 status seems in serious jeopardy as Patriots-Bengals spread shrinks

One way to get an early indication of whether a star player is suiting up for his team’s next game is to follow the money. Or in the case of Ja’Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals, follow where oddsmakers think the money might go.

Based on line movement over the past day for Cincinnati’s season opener Sunday against the New England Patriots, it seems sportsbooks are expecting a run on New England. Though 67% of tickets and 85% of money on the game’s 9-point spread at BetMGM was on the favored Bengals as of Tuesday morning, the line shrunk to -8 by Wednesday.

Could that have something to do with Chase’s window to play shrinking as he continues to skip practice while awaiting a new contract?

It certainly seems so.

Today is a big day for the Bengals and WR Ja'Marr Chase. Wednesday practice is the first true practice of the week where most of the game plan is installed. It would be difficult for him to play on Sunday if he's doesn't practice.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 4, 2024

With or without Chase, the Bengals will almost certainly remain the biggest favorites of the week. The next largest spread is Buffalo’s 6.5-point edge over Arizona. But Chase’s potential absence does make a difference in how well Cincinnati’s offense will function.

Without him, this could end up being a closer game than any Bengals backer envisioned. For those convinced Chase will play, now is a good time to grab this line.