Carolina Panthers (1-7) vs. Chicago Bears (2-7)
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears 11/9/23 – The upcoming NFL matchup tips toward a battle of perseverance as the Carolina Panthers visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on a brisk Thursday evening. The Panthers, desperate to claw their way out of a 1-7 abyss, confront a Bears team with a marginally better standing at 2-7. With the Week 10 game fast approaching, these teams aim to muster what’s left of their competitive spirit to add a win to their scanty victory column.
The Panthers, in their rebuilding phase, have seen some grit in their rushing and receiving corps, despite the dismal record. Running back Chuba Hubbard, with 270 rushing yards, has provided a semblance of balance to the offense, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Though not explosive, he’s reliably churned out 38.6 yards per game, and his ball security has been impeccable, with no fumbles lost. In the air, veteran receiver Adam Thielen has become a dependable target, hauling in 57 receptions for 581 yards. His route running and ability to gain yards after catch, indicated by his 216 YAC, are vital as the Panthers look to disrupt the Bears’ defense.
Conversely, the Bears have relied heavily on Justin Fields, who not only threw for 1201 yards but also displayed dual-threat capabilities that keep defenses guessing. Khalil Herbert led their running game efficiently as his 5.3 yards per carry exceeded Hubbard’s, showing explosive potential as his 54.4 yards per game on 51 attempts demonstrated explosive potential. DJ Moore proved another difficult opponent as his 691 receiving yards and 15.7 average catch rate represented an imminent home-run threat each time he touched the ball.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears 11/9/23 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 8:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Soldier Field |
| TV: | AMZN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Bryce Young QB vs. Justin Fields QB
Bryce Young of the Panthers has had an up-and-down rookie NFL season. His stats demonstrate his struggles: 64.3% completion rate, 1202 passing yards and more sacks (22) than passing touchdowns (7). Yet there’s hope in his resilience; his passer rating of 82.3 suggests he’s finding his footing. Against an experienced Bears defense that knows how to exploit rookie mistakes. Young must sharpen both mobility and decision-making before facing them off this Thursday.
In contrast, the Bears’ Justin Fields has started to carve a niche in the league with his dual-threat capabilities. His passer rating of 91.6 surpasses Young’s, augmented by a robust 7.4 yards per pass attempt and 11 touchdowns to 6 interceptions. The disparity in experience between Fields and Young may be marginal in terms of years but is significant in terms of on-field growth, and that could prove pivotal in this head-to-head quarterback clash.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Chicago Bears -125, Total Odds: 41.5
The Bears enter the game as slight favorites with a -1.5 spread and a moneyline of -125. The game’s total is set at 41.5, reflecting the offensive struggles both teams have endured this season. The odds slightly favor the Bears, perhaps a nod to their slightly better record and home-field advantage. Bettors might look to play the under here, considering both teams have had games trending in that direction.
Carolina Panthers Betting Trends
The Panthers have had a rough ride against the spread (ATS), going 1-5 in their last 6 games. This trend underscores their inability to meet expectations, even when set low. They’ve also struggled on the road with a worrying 2-14 straight up (SU) record in their last 16 away games, hinting at the challenges they face in hostile environments.
Chicago Bears Betting Trends
The Bears haven’t fared much better, with a 4-12-1 record ATS in their last 17 games. Their home record is similarly discouraging at 1-10 SU in their last 11 games at Soldier Field. But a gleam of hope shines through their 5-1 SU record in recent home games against the Panthers, suggesting they find a way to elevate their game against this particular opponent.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears 11/9/23 Betting Picks
Analyzing the data, it’s a clash of two teams with much to prove but little to lose. The game will likely hinge on which quarterback can exploit the opposing defense and which team can avoid critical turnovers. Considering the trends and performances, the under seems a prudent pick, with neither offense showing consistent firepower.
The Bears, with the home-field advantage and a slightly more dynamic offense, appear to be the better pick. However, with narrow margins, bettors might find value in prop bets involving individual player performances, like Thielen’s receiving yards or Hubbard’s rushing attempts. The premium draft projections suggest a close, low-scoring affair.
Free Pick and Prediction: Chicago Bears 20, Carolina Panthers 17