Bears vs. Panthers predictions: Can Chicago avoid trap game?

I suppose a relatively boring week at Halas Hall is a good thing.

This week’s press conferences weren’t borderline contentious and everybody seemed to be in a happier mood. It’s incredible what one win can do. I wonder what two in a row would mean…

Caleb Williams did not need the deep ball to operate an efficient offense against the Rams’ defense last Sunday. But it’d be nice if the Bears’ offense could eventually strike on an explosive play.

During the week, Williams attributed the offense’s lack of flashiness to “measuring the shots” and understanding what the team needs in certain moments. However, when Williams did have opportunities, there were miscommunications.

On the other side of the ball, the Bears secondary will face an interesting test — Andy Dalton. Dalton’s veteran savvy could pose a threat to Chicago if not taken seriously, but as defensive coordinator Eric Washington referenced on Thursday, his team just beat Matt Stafford.

Can the defense hold firm against a strong Panthers rushing attack? Will Caleb Williams and his receivers connect on some explosive deep balls?

Onto Week 5.

Adam Hoge (2-2) | Bears 24, Panthers 18

Let’s run it back with the same score as last week. The Panthers are officially “frisky” with Andy Dalton at quarterback and this won’t be an easy win. It might even require a fourth-quarter comeback.

🔎 GO DEEPER | Check out Adam Hoge’s latest ‘Bears Things’ newsletter on why Caleb Williams and the Bears need to find the explosivity of their offense.

Nicholas Moreano (3-1) | Bears 28, Panthers 13

The Falcons and Buccaneers decided Week 5 will be when NFL offenses start putting up some big numbers. I believe the Bears will follow suit. Caleb Williams and Shane Waldron capitalize against a weak Panthers defense. DJ Moore has his best game of the season against his former team. The Bears’ defense continues its dominance to help the team win their second game in a row.

📖 READ | Nicholas Moreano’s latest column with Rome Odunze on the Bears’ missed opportunities down the field.

Corey Wootton (3-1) | Bears 31, Panthers 17

Bears offense has back-to-back solid rushing performances and continues to take the pressure off Caleb. Defense has another solid performance and gets after Andy Dalton.

Greg Braggs Jr. (3-1) | Bears 26, Panthers 16

Andy Dalton has given the Panthers a bit of a lift in place of Bryce Young. But the Bears defense at Soldier Field is a tough task. Look for Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson to find their way to a football or 2 thus giving Caleb Williams and the Bears offense a short field to work with.

As far as the Bears’ offense, I expect the run game to continue to make progress vs an injured Panthers secondary and for Cole Kmet to take advantage of Carolina’s linebacking core whose depth is being tested.

Can’t lose a game like this at home. My only concern isn’t the matchups, which favor the Bears — it’s the fear of the players and coaches looking ahead to a London game the next week before they fly out on Monday. Eyes on the Panthers. Must win.

Mark Carman (4-0) | Bears 24, Panthers 23

Revenge game on the lakefront. Cherish the moment. Andy Dalton will be motivated. The spirit of the 2005 Bears will be as well. Win one for 54. Caleb Williams should feel comfortable against the Panthers rush. The bet here is that Caleb and the offense take another positive step forward while the defense is able to contain the Panthers’ Johnson…and Legette. Another tight one.

Stephen Nicholas (0-1) | Bears 24, Panthers 17

Don’t fall for the trap game! Andy Dalton has revitalized the Panthers’ offense, but he hasn’t faced a secondary like the Bears yet. Is this the Caleb Williams breakout game? Probably not, but it shouldn’t have to be vs Carolina’s 31st-ranked run defense. Roschon Johnson finds paydirt again as the Bears win.

Patrick Norton (1-3) | Bears 38, Panthers 9

Remember the magic of that Bears beatdown against the Buccaneers back in 2018? Mitch Trubisky had six passing touchdowns. MITCH! Dave Canales might be better than Dirk Koetter, but this Panthers team is worse than those Bucs. Let’s have a little fun on Sunday and dominate from the first snap until the last.

If Carolina scores more than nine, it’ll be because both teams put in the seniors late in the fourth — or something catastrophic has happened in the game. Caleb hits four throws at least 18+ yards, and D’Andre Swift has another 100+ all-purpose yards. Bears win with ease. On to London.

🗞️ SUBSCRIBE | Patrick Norton’s CHGO Digest is FREE. Subscribe to receive his perspective on the Bears’ season every Monday and Thursday morning.

Kevin Kaduk (3-1) | Bears 27, Panthers 13

Hopefully, the Bears know they can’t allow this to be a letdown game with the big UK trip looming. Thankfully, Carolina doesn’t seem staffed to take advantage of any oversights, plus, I think both the offense and defense are looking forward to seizing one of the true gimme-games on the schedule.

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