Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 5 game

Admin October 2, 2024

It may not seem like it but this is a very important game for both teams. The Carolina Panthers are two years removed from what seems to be one of the worst trades in NFL history with the same team they play this weekend – the Chicago Bears. The Bears turned that trade into an excellent defense, a star receiver in D.J. Moore, and quarterback Caleb Williams.

By all measures, the Bears should win this game. However, their offense has failed to live up to expectations. In fact, they’ve looked downright abysmal, relying on turnovers in Week 4 to get a few scores against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Panthers, meanwhile, have seen their offense improve drastically the last two weeks, ever since Andy Dalton took over as the team’s starting quarterback. If Carolina can win this game, they will prove that losing out on Caleb Williams may not have been as big a deal as many people made it out to be.

Here are our experts’ predictions for this Week 5 showdown.

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Bears vs. Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under

The Bears are favorites to defeat the Panthers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Spread: Bears (-4)
Moneyline: Bears (-200); Panthers (+165)
Over/under: 42

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NFL Week 5 odds, predictions and picks

Lorenzo Reyes: Bears 23, Panthers 16

At first glance, I would’ve thought this could be a sneaky chance for Carolina to cover, but this should be a matchup that favors the Bears. Chicago’s offensive line is among the league’s worst. Carolina, however, ranks 31st in sacks per pass attempt and cannot generate significant pressure. If Caleb Williams has time to throw, he should make plays. On the other side, Chicago’s defense is aggressive and Carolina may struggle to retain possession.

Tyler Dragon: Bears 20, Panthers 17

This could’ve been a battle between the two most recent No. 1 picks, but Bryce Young is set to watch Caleb Williams from the sideline. Williams is going through proverbial rookie growing pains. His 72 passer rating is near the bottom of the league and the he’s been sacked 16 times (not all the sacks are on the O-line). But the Bears have a solid defense, ranking in the top 10 in points allowed.