The defending NFC North champion Chicago Bears take on the defending NFC South champion Carolina Panthers at Noon (CT) on Sunday, and the Windy City Gridiron crew makes their picks and predictions for the game right here.
Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: Bears will win, 27 to 16, behind 200 scrimmage yards from D’Andre Swift, but Kyle Monangai poaches 2 TDs away from him. The defense bends but doesn’t break, and Montez Sweat picks up a sack. Caleb Williams finishes at 64% completion, and “those” analysts complain it’s not 70%.
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Jacob Infante: Bears win 24-20. I think Carolina keeps things closer than most Bears fans are willing to admit, but Chicago still has the better roster, in my opinion. In classic Cardiac Bears fashion, Caleb Williams leads the team on a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, and an interception by Dillon Thieneman on a Bryce Young two-minute drill gives Chicago its first win of the year.
Gary Baugher Jr.: 28-17 Bears. Bears pick up 350+ yards of offense, 2 passing TDs, and 2 rushing TDs. Bryce Young turns the ball over twice, and Tetairoa McMillan goes for 100+ on us, but otherwise we’re pleasantly surprised by our Week 1 defense.
Josh Sunderbruch: Bears 30-26 with missed opportunities on both sides of the ball for Chicago to make it more definitive. Caleb has a touchdown in the air and on the ground. Motivated Dayo gets the strip sack, and JVDB gets the recovery.
Sam Householder: Bears 24-20. It feels like a sleepy week one where sometimes it’s a bit messy, but overall a close game, and the Bears pull it out in the end. Jaylon Johnson gets a pick; Caleb throws a TD to Luther Burden and runs one in himself.
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Donald Gooch: Bears win 36-17. Caleb throws for 300 yards with touchdowns to Loveland and Rome. Swift goes off for 125 yards and a TD. On defense, Sweat and Booker notch sacks, and JJ gets an interception. The Bears’ run defense surprises everyone with its competence. Great start to the season.
Superfans: Week 1 is often sloppy as both teams try to shake off the offseason rust, which is why this game is going to be a nail-biter. Caleb will fall short of 300 yards at only 299, and Loveland will only catch one touchdown. However, Rome and Luther and Kmet will each get a tuddy of their own. The Bears’ rushing attack will plod along as neither Swift nor Monangai can hit the century mark. They do, however, combine for 198 rushing yards and 2 TDs. A late peanut punch by T.J. Edwards followed by a scoop-and-score by Austin Booker allows the Bears to squeak by, 49 to 17.
What is your prediction for Bears vs. Panthers?
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