Game: Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Odds: Panthers +3, Bears -3
Total: 38.5
Tonight, the Chicago Bears (2-7 SU, 3-5-1 ATS) take on the Carolina Panthers (1-7 SU, 1-6-1). For the Bears, it will be another chance to beat the number. They are 3-2 ATS in their last five games. One of those covers came in the Bears’ last primetime appearance on Oct. 5 when Chicago shocked Washington 40-20. That victory ended a 14-game losing streak that stretched back to last season.
Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last six games against Chicago and has lost 14 of its previous 16 road games. The Panthers’ 3-0-1 ATS record in their last four games played in primetime is something worth noting. After winning their first game of the season, Carolina went right back to its losing ways last week with a 27-13 loss to Indianapolis. The Panthers are 1-7 SU and 1-6-1 ATS, which is one of the franchise’s worst starts in history. They will likely finish with a losing record for the sixth year in a row.
Behind a shaky offensive line, rookie quarterback Bryce Young continues to be prone to turnovers. Against Indianapolis, he was intercepted three times. Two of them were returned by the Colts for touchdowns, converting a 13-3 game late in the first half into a 27-10 Indy lead.
On top of their poor record, the Panthers have suffered their share of injuries. Starting linebacker Brian Burns, cornerback C.J. Henderson, and safety Xavier Woods were all hurt last week. On a short week, none of them are anticipated to suit up against the Bears as Carolina attempts to avoid suffering its 15th defeat in its previous 17 road games.
Quarterback Justin Fields may make a comeback to the Bears starting lineup this week after missing the team’s previous three games with a thumb injury. Before sustaining the injury, Fields had thrown four touchdown passes in each of his previous two complete games. He will continue to be assessed throughout the week and may be a game-time decision.
With rookie Tyson Bagent starting in place of Fields, Chicago covered the spread in two of its three games, including the 24-17 loss as 10-point underdogs to the New Orleans Saints last week. The Bears had a miserable 2-11-1 record against the number in their previous 14 games before starting their mini-hot streak against the spread.
Carolina’s defense put up a great show against the Colts, allowing just 120 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and 17 first downs. However, Young’s two pick-sixes last week spoiled the game. The Chicago offense committed five turnovers against the Saints last week and hasn’t scored more than 17 points in three of its previous four games.
The Bears haven’t been the favorite very often recently, but when they are, they have a history of satisfying their supporters. At Soldier Field, the Bears have won in seven of their previous ten games as favorites and 11 of their previous 14 games overall as chalk. In Chicago’s most recent prime-time appearance, receiver D.J. Moore amassed 230 receiving yards and he’ll be ready to attempt to do the same to his former team.
Chicago needs to protect the football. They have lost the turnover battle in five of their six losses this season. Three interceptions and two fumbles last week cost the Bears a shot at beating New Orleans.
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