TNF Bears vs Panthers Free Pick

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the Chicago Bears, with a record of 2-7, will face off against the Carolina Panthers, who hold a record of 1-7, at Soldier Field. Both teams have had their fair share of struggles this season, with inconsistencies on both offense and defense.

Chicago Bears: Striving for Balance Amidst Defensive Struggles and Offensive Resilience

From an offensive perspective, the Chicago Bears rank 19th in the NFL with an average of 325.9 yards gained per game. They also sit at the 19th spot in total defense, allowing an average of 336.6 yards per game. Nonetheless, their defense has displayed notable vulnerability in terms of conceding points, allowing an average of 26.9 points per game, a ranking that places them fifth from the bottom in the league. This deficiency has forced them to rely on their 19th-ranked offense, which scores an average of 20.9 points per game. Despite their struggles on defense, the Bears have managed to perform reasonably well in passing, ranking 24th in the NFL with 190.6 passing yards per game, despite their pass defense being fifth-worst, allowing 256.9 passing yards per game.

The Bears have excelled in the running game this season, ranking fourth-best in rushing offense with 135.3 rushing yards per game. Their run defense is also impressive, ranking fourth-best by allowing only 79.7 rushing yards per game. On third downs, their offense is seventh in the league with a 44.1% conversion rate, while their defense ranks worst, allowing a 48.7% conversion rate. In terms of yards per play, the Bears average 5.5 yards on offense, ranking 17th, and surrender the same amount on defense, also ranking 17th. Unfortunately, they have the worst turnover margin in the NFL, standing at -9, with only nine turnovers forced (24th in the NFL) and 18 turnovers committed (32nd in the NFL).

Carolina Panthers: Defensive Strength and Offensive Struggles in a Season of Contrasts

In contrast, the Carolina Panthers have encountered challenges on both offense and defense. They rank fifth-worst in total yards gained per game with 283.4, but on defense, they have been more effective, ranking eighth in the NFL, allowing only 310 total yards per game. Their defense has raised significant alarms, surrendering an average of 28.3 points per game, a ranking that positions them as the second-worst in the league. In contrast, their offense ranks 27th, scoring an average of 17.5 points per game.

The Panthers have shown strength in pass defense, ranking fourth-best in the NFL by allowing only 178.3 passing yards per game. Conversely, when it comes to their offensive performance, they face difficulties, managing only 187.1 passing yards per game, placing them at the 27th spot in the rankings. Their run defense has been weak, ranking fifth-worst by allowing 131.8 rushing yards per game. Conversely, their ground game has proven to be more efficient, accumulating 96.3 rushing yards per game, positioning them at the 24th rank in the league. In terms of third-down conversion rates, their offense is 16th in the NFL with a 40% success rate, while their defense ranks sixth, allowing a 34.7% conversion rate. Yards per play show a significant difference, with the Panthers ranking second-worst on offense with 4.7 yards per play and 17th on defense, allowing 5.5 yards per play. The Panthers have managed to force seven turnovers (31st in the NFL) while committing 11 turnovers (15th in the NFL), resulting in a turnover margin of -4, which ranks 23rd in the league.

Ground Game Dominance, Defensive Quandaries, and Justin Fields’ Return: Key Factors in the Bears vs. Panthers Clash

The Bears primarily rely on their running game, especially when Justin Fields is on the sideline. They rank sixth in the NFL in yards per carry and had a successful rushing performance last week against the New Orleans Saints, with QB Bagent contributing 70 rushing yards. Justin Fields is currently listed as “day to day”.

The Panthers’ defense, despite giving up many points this season, ranks well on third downs (6th in the NFL). However, they struggle to keep opponents out of the end zone when inside the 20-yard line, ranking 31st in the league.

The potential return of Justin Fields could make a significant difference for the Chicago Bears, as they currently face uncertainty regarding their starting quarterback and No.1 running back. Fields is considered day-to-day as he recovers from a right thumb injury. The alternative, rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, is coming off a game with three interceptions, and the Bears have been leading the league in penalties over the past three weeks, averaging 78 per game. Fields would be an upgrade, but his status for the short-week game remains uncertain.

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It’s important to note that the Chicago Bears have not been more than a field-goal favorite since 2021, in contrast, the Carolina Panthers may present an opportunity for success, especially if Bagent starts on a short week. Chicago’s weak pass defense could be exploited by the Panthers, and their struggles to generate pressure on the opposing quarterback could further contribute to Carolina’s offensive success. The Panthers’ defense demonstrated strength in their previous game, holding the Colts to just 3.5 yards per play and 2.6 yards per rush. This suggests that the Panthers may have a chance to take advantage of Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities and secure a favorable outcome in the upcoming matchup. This and Chicago’s QB Fields is doubtful for Thursday Night. Be sure to check out betanysports.eu/sba/ and claim a 30% CASH BONUS on your deposit. 

Spread: Panthers +3 ½ (-105) – Bears -3 ½ (-115)

Money line: Panthers +165 – Bears -190