Panthers at Bears: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By Brad Weiss
In Week 7, the Chicago Bears will play host to the Carolina Panthers at Solider Field on Sunday. Here is our preview, prediction, odds and pick.
The Chicago Bears have played some pretty inconsistent football this season, but seem to be playing better as of late with Mitchell Trubisky under center. Trubisky took over for Mike Glennon two weeks ago, and after losing in primetime to Minnesota in his first start, he led his team to a comeback victory in Week 6. In Week 7, the Bears will welcome the Carolina Panthers to town, who have been one of the hotter teams in the NFL as of late.
Carolina went to the Super Bowl after the 2015 season but really struggled during the big game. That hangover lasted the entire 2016 season, as Cam Newton just did not look right all season long. He had some offseason surgery, and after getting his feet wet early this season, has really turned it on as of late. He is back to being one of the superstars in the NFL and should be in for a solid game against the Bears defense.
The NFC North is suddenly winnable after Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone this past weekend. For all the bad play this season, the Bears are still alive, and they have to be gaining confidence in their young signal-caller. This game has the potential to be a good one, as Trubisky has shown a never-say-die attitude through the first two starts of his career.
Odds
Line: Carolina Panthers (-3.0)
Over/Under: 41.0
The Bears have been tough at home this season, but they still come into this game as three-point underdogs. The over/under is set at 41.0, but if these two quarterbacks get it going, that number could be topped easily. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to Sportsbook Review for any changes up until kickoff.
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Prediction
The Bears have been good inside Soldier Field, but the Panthers are coming to town playing great football. Cam Newton looked full healthy for the first time since 2015, and the defense is playing with purpose. Chicago will keep it interesting for a while, but Carolina should win this one by a touchdown.
Final Score: Panthers 28 Bears 21