NFL
Sports Interaction Staff
October 17, 2017

Panthers vs. Bears Point Spread: NFL Week 7 Odds, Prediction

The Panthers have a slim one game lead over both the Saints and Falcons in the NFC South, and to maintain that cushion – are going to have to knock off a new look Chicago Bears. The Bears are showing some signs of life after a quarterback change two weeks ago, and seem to be headed in the right direction.

Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears

Point Spread: Panthers -3 (-125)
Date: Sunday, October 22, 1:00pmET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Point Spread and Betting Analysis

These two teams have met four times since 2010, with the Bears winning three of the games. The Panthers won the last matchup, October 5, 2014 31-24 in Carolina. Panthers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings, and are also 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss. Meanwhile, the Bears are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers enter this game coming off only their second loss of the season, with a 28-23 setback to the Philadelphia Eagles. With a 4-2 (3-3 ATS) record, the Panthers have been perfect on the road (3-0) with wins against 49ers, Patriots, and Lions. One key to the strong start has been 3^rd down conversion, with the clicking at 45.2 percent, good enough for third best in the NFL. The defence has been very good, currently ranked 4^th in total yards, averaging just 280 yards against.

Star Linebacker Luke Kuechly departed the last game with a concussion but is likely to clear protocol in time for this game. Also consider the Panthers will be extra rested entering this game, as they played their last game on Thursday night.

Chicago Bears

Rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky is coming off his first NFL time last week, a 27-24 overtime victory against the Baltimore Ravens. In the win, the Bears utilized a strong ground game where Jordan Howard rushed for 167 yards on a whopping 36 carries in the win. Expect to see more of this style of attack on Sunday against a very good run stopping defence in the Panthers – who are currently ranked 9^th in that category (83.3 yards per game average).

The Bears enter this game with a 2-4 record (4-2 ATS) and have been in some tight games this season, including four games that have been decided by six points or less.