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Panthers vs. Bears: Preview, score prediction for Week 7

By Nick Sparrow

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers calls the play at the line during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Carolina defeated Detroit 27-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers calls the play at the line during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Carolina defeated Detroit 27-24. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are preparing to host the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 of the NFL season. The Bears are coming off of getting an overtime win on the road over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, the first win of Mitchell Trubisky’s career. The Panthers are coming off of a tough home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday night.

A home loss is always tough but last week was especially tough as whoever won between the Panthers and Eagles would have the best record in the NFC. Still, Week 6 wasn’t all bad for Carolina as division rival Atlanta Falcons also lost and fell below the Panthers and Saints in the division.

Will the Bears be able to pull off another upset victory at Soldier Field?

Keys to Victory

The Panthers need to learn how to not give away games. Carolina had no real business losing last Thursday night when breaking down the numbers. The Eagles only outgained the Panthers by five yards, and actually had 16 less passing yards. More importantly, Philadelphia was penalized 10 times for 126 yards. Carolina was penalized once for one yard. It is unbelievable that Carolina lost that game until looking at a single category: turnovers.

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Cam Newton threw three interceptions last Thursday, compared to an Eagles team that just fumbled once. No matter what other stats are involved, it is incredibly difficult for a team to win a game when losing the turnover battle. Newton needs to be more careful with the ball. Especially with Luke Kuechly injured, the Panthers defense has too many holes to make up for careless offensive turnovers. Carolina’s game plan should rely on conservative offense and tough defense to win games.

The Bears will need to continue their Week 6 strategy of establishing a run game to setup Trubisky to have success in play action. Against the Ravens, Chicago ran for 231 yards. Jordan Howard rushed the ball 36 times for 167 yards, averaging 4.64 yards per carry. Having that much success on the ground takes a lot of pressure off of the rookie Trubisky and opens up options in the passing game for them to take advantage of.

Week 6 was perfect example of the offense that the Bears are looking to run and it’s a good sign that they were able to run it effectively on the road against a good Baltimore defense in just the second start of Trubisky’s career.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Carolina -3
Moneyline: Carolina -165, Chicago +144
Over/Under: 40.5

All betting odds provided by BookMaker via the Sportsbook Review

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders struggle into Top 5 pick

Score Prediction

The Bears have played better at home throughout the early portion of this season. Through the first six weeks of the season, Chicago is outscoring their opponents 60-57 at home while being outscored 88-48 on the road. While I think the Bears are a team on the rise, Carolina has more talent and experience at this point. This game will be close, but Carolina should escape with a win.

Final Score: Carolina Panthers: 20, Chicago Bears: 18

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