TNF! Panthers at Bears - Predictions

[Newtcase]

Even though the Panthers rank poorly in nearly every offensive category they'll face an equally challenged Chicago defense that ranks 28th in both passing and scoring defense.  Couple this with the lowest sack rate in the NFL at 2.9% and this could present Carolina an opportunity to get right in the passing game.  They're going to need it because Chicago has been stout against the run.  Carolina's 24th ranked rushing attack is going to have to grind it out against a 4th ranked Chicago unit that's only yielding 80 yards per contest.  Carolina will also need to focus on playing more disciplined football.  Offensively the Panthers are the 4th most penalized team in the league, contrast to Chicago's defense who is the least penalized unit in ALL of football.  Penalties and/or lack thereof could have a huge impact on this game.

Chicago is a bit more of an enigma on offense.  Their passing attack ranks only slightly ahead of Carolina.  Statistically, not much has changed with Bagent in relief of Fields, if anything they're taking fewer sacks.  DJ "Feed Me" Moore will have a chip on his shoulder in this game and it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Bears try to force it to him from time to time.  Beware though, Carolina's pass defense has been a rare bright spot and has logged plenty of practice against Moore.  Instead, Chicago will likely prioritize attacking Carolina's poor rushing defense, testing it early and often.  The Bears boast the 4th rank rushing attack at 135 YPG.  This is strength against weakness and should be the linchpin of the Chicago game plan.

On the injury front Frank Reich reported Brian Burns and CJ Henderson are in concussion protocol after Sunday's loss to the Colts.  It's hard to expect Carolina to uphold the impressive and unlikely defensive standard without their best defensive player.  The Panthers seem destined to find the point of no return with starters suffering injuries at every level of the defense seemingly every game.  Justin Fields remains as the most impactful injury for Chicago.

Vegas has the Bears at -3.5 as of Monday afternoon, which is nearly symmetric with the season averages of 20.9 vs 17.5.  The Bears are playing at home on Prime time against a team that owes them a 2024 1st round draft selection.  DJ Moore could be a huge X factor.  His already impressive 2023 campaign checks in at 6th in receiving yards and sources say he is eating Wheaties every morning this week.  The Panthers still have some pride and this game has talking points beyond the field.  However, it won't be enough to make up the talent differential or short week on the road.

Chicago 20
Panthers 17

THE DATA
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Panthers Offense vs Chicago Defense
Passing 27th 187 YPG vs Allowed 28th 257 YPG
Rushing 24th  96 YPG vs Allowed  4th  80 YPG
Scoring 27th 17.5 PPG vs Allowed 28th  26.9 PPG
Penalties 4th most 7.1 PG vs 1st fewest 4.1 PG

Chicago Offense vs Carolina Defense
Passing 24th 191 YPG vs Allowed  4th 178 YPG
Rushing  4th 135 YPG vs Allowed 28th 132 YPG
Scoring 19th  20.9 PPG vs Allowed 31st  28.3 PPG
Penalties 11th most 6.6 PG vs 9th fewest 5.8 PG
---------------------------------------------------

[Lame Duck]

[CRA]

The best the Bears have looked all season was the last game they played on Thursday night. 

it's in Chicago. 

DJ Moore, Foreman revenge game.  Storyline of the Bears getting our #1 overall pick.  I just think this game has us losing written all over it. 

[Hugor Hill]

All I know is that DJ Moore is gonna have a career night. He'll prob equal his total yards and catches with us, against us on Thurs. 

[PootieNunu]

We just faced a team that had given up 37, 39,  and 38 points in their last 3 games and put up a whopping 13. 

These stats dont mean poo. I dont expect us to score more than 17 and that is being generous. If the D can keep the bears under that and BY doesnt gift them 12 points we can win.

 

Edited November 6, 2023 by PootieNunu

[PantherKyle]

I'll be there lol. No Burns sucks. This has Panthers being a laughing stock written all over it with the storylines. Wonder if it would render a firing or two Friday.

[CamWhoaaCam]

Panthers 13 Bears 46

 

DJ Moore I miss you!

[amcoolio]

There is something very wrong if the Vikings can bring in a QB that hasn't taken a snap, hasn't thrown to any of the receivers even in practice and doesn't even know their names and they can move the ball comfortably, score, and win, yet we have such a hard time.

Let Bryce play schoolyard ball. Let him play uptempo and stop worrying so much about the right call and everything. Let him go out and play football, just once. It cannot possibly be as worse as what we are doing out there already

[LinvilleGorge]

I predict it'll be the primetime game with the lowest TV ratings of the season.

[Cullenator]

I genuinely think the team has packed it in for the year.

 

we dont get more than 14 and the Bears double up whatever we do get.

[cmichd08]

Maybe this should be another start for Andy if we want a chance to win. Might be the only one to come the next 8 games.

Edited November 6, 2023 by cmichd08
change wording

[chknwing]

bears want that #1 pick, Panthers 13 Bears 10

[cmichd08]

3 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I predict it'll be the primetime game with the lowest TV ratings of the season.

Lets start Andy and see what happens.

[cmichd08]

1 minute ago, chknwing said:

bears want that #1 pick, Panthers 13 Bears 10

even if they win they will have the number one pick. I don't see us having more than one win in the next 8 games.