The Chicago Bears are the clear favorites to win on Sunday, and the betting line reflects that reality. The gap between these two teams has grown wider since last season, according to reports.com. Chicago advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, while Carolina finished below .500. That difference matters when you look at the roster depth and the injuries piling up in Charlotte.
A Patchwork Line for Bryce Young
The biggest story is not the Bears’ offense, but the Carolina offensive line falling apart before the first snap. The Panthers open the season without either of their starting tackles, per Steve Reed via Yahoo Sports. In the playoffs, Ikem Ekwonu, a former first-round pick, suffered a ruptured peteller tendon, while right tackle Taylor Moton received a June diagnosis of blood clots in the lungs. Rookie Monroe Freeling takes over for Moton, and Rasheed Walker, formerly of the Packers, shields Bryce Young’s blind side.
Walker faced the Bears three times last year and got manhandled by Austin Booker, who recorded 1.5 sacks and three QB hits against him. With that kind of pressure, Young will have nowhere to go. The Bears defense is ready to exploit this weakness immediately. They have the speed and the talent to rush the passer without even needing to blitz. If the Bears can force Young into early mistakes, the game will get out of hand quickly.
Ben Johnson’s Offense is Ready
Head coach Ben Johnson has seen enough in camp to feel confident about the team’s direction. He noted the stark difference between this year and the struggles of the past. “I think I made a comment last year about we’re not practicing at a championship level yet,” Johnson recalled in comments reported by Sports Illustrated. He added, “And I’m not saying that this year. I like these guys, the work that they’re putting in throughout the week.” While a victory on Sunday isn’t assured, this setup provides a solid opportunity.
That work shows in the stats. The Bears had the number three rushing offense last season, and they are bringing back key pieces like D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Carolina’s run defense ranked 20th last year, allowing 4.4 yards per carry. That is a mismatch the Bears will attack all day. With the Panthers’ run defense struggling and their pass rush needing help from Jaelan Phillips, the Bears offense should find plenty of room to operate.
Why the Spread Matters
Most experts agree that the Bears will win, but the question is by how much. The line has moved to Bears minus 3 after opening at minus 2.5. Sports Illustrated reports that the Bears rank ninth in passing EPA, even though their new offense was only utilized last year for the first time. That efficiency should improve in year two under Johnson. Even with Rome Odunze battling a calf injury, the tight end Colston Loveland is ready to step up. He led the team in receiving yards last season and impressed during training camp.
The experts are backing Chicago heavily. ESPN has 11 experts picking the Bears and zero picking the Panthers, per a roundup from Panthers Wire. CBS Sports also has seven picks for Chicago and none for Carolina. The data supports the pick. The Bears are the better team, the better coached, and the healthier squad. Carolina has a lot of holes to fill, and the Bears will punch through them. Expect Chicago to win this game and cover the number.
