Carolina’s last game at home ended with Matthew Stafford snatching away a playoff win—and with it, the Panthers’ souls—in the final minute of regulation time. For four quarters, Jalen Coker had done just about everything asked of him that afternoon (nine catches, 134 yards, one TD), and I know I’d keep him busy when Chicago comes to town Sunday. With Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd now on the defensive side of the ball, too, the Panthers are in shape to begin yet another underdog season with a bang. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for this week’s NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Panthers vs. Bears prediction, preview
Between Coker and Tetairoa McMillan, Bryce Young has somewhere to go without exposing himself too much to the ferocity of Jaylon Johnson. McMillan caught seven TDs and topped 1,000 yards as a rookie; move him around, let Coker work inside, and make Dennis Allen sort through his coverage without Kyler Gordon or Coby Bryant—I see it working over the middle again for McMillan. Johnson being healthy again helps Chicago considerably, but no Gordon/Bryant, on paper, is killer for these Bears. We’ll see how it plays out. Remember, Chicago’s defense allowed opponents to succeed on 46.9% of their plays last season, but led the league in turnovers (33), which bailed them out of huge holes.
Getting Young enough time worries me more than finding somebody to throw to. Rookie Monroe Freeling opens at right tackle after a difficult joint practice against Houston, with Montez Sweat coming off ten sacks. I’d have Chuba Hubbard involved early, including as an outlet when Young has to get rid of it. Jonathon Brooks was still working on the side Monday. Until he’s doing more, I’m not counting on the full backfield Dave Canales hoped to have.
Rome Odunze missed Monday’s practice, and Chicago will be following that throughout the week. Ben Johnson has other answers regardless: Colston Loveland led the Bears in receiving (58 catches, 713 yards, six TDs), while Luther Burden averaged 60.1 receiving yards over his final eight regular-season games. Let either catch the ball with space to turn upfield and Carolina can get into trouble quickly. Add D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who combined for 1,870 rushing yards, and there’s enough here to keep Williams from forcing throws.
Bears vs. Panthers pick, best bet
Phillips alongside Derrick Brown gives me more confidence in Carolina actually ending those drives. Last year’s Panthers allowed a 47.1% third-down conversion rate; against that group, I’d have been much less interested in taking three. Phillips had a sack in ten snaps in his preseason debut, with Lloyd making a tackle for loss in his own brief appearance. A small introduction, certainly, but I like having those two involved before Loveland or Burden gets loose.
Young still has to improve on last season’s 6.3 YPA, with Brad Idzik taking over the play calls. And Williams, after throwing 27 TDs against seven picks, can punish a missed assignment without much warning. I’m paying the -118 to keep the full field goal here. With Carolina better equipped to pressure Williams and Coker giving Young another receiver to lean on, I have this closer than Chicago laying three on the road. Take the points if you’re conservative, but I like the Panthers, here, the more I look at this spot.
Best bet: Panthers ML (+125).
Projected score: Panthers 24, Bears 23.
