The Carolina Panthers (1-3) and Chicago Bears (2-2) will kick off the Sunday afternoon slate of NFL Week 5. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago on FOX, and the game can be streamed on YouTube TV and other streaming platforms.
The Bears are consensus 4-point favorites over the Panthers (Bears -4) after the spread opened at Bears -5.5 before the season. The over/under is 42.5 after opening at 42. The Bears are -200 favorites to win outright, with the Panthers are +165 to pull off the upset.
The Panthers lost 34-24 to the Bengals last week, but Andy Dalton continued to play well. In 2 starts this season, he has thrown for 539 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Bears beat the Rams 24-18 last week. The run game powered Chicago with 131 yards, as Caleb Williams only threw for 157 yards and 1 touchdown.
Let's get into my Panthers vs. Bears prediction and my NFL picks and predictions for Week 5.
Panthers vs. Bears Odds, Picks, Prediction
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 42.5 -110 / -110 | +165 |
| Bears Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 42.5 -110 / -110 | -200 |
- Panthers vs. Bears spread: Bears -4 · Panthers +4
- Panthers vs. Bears over/under: 42.5 points
- Panthers vs. Bears moneyline: Bears -200, Panthers +165
- Panthers vs. Bears pick: Panthers +4
My Bears vs. Panthers best bet is on Carolina. For all of your NFL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page.
Spread
I cannot see how this spread should be four points, so I'm taking the underdog Panthers on the road.
Moneyline
While I'm taking the points with Carolina, I'm not betting on the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm in line with the over/under on this game.
My Pick: Panthers +4
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears NFL Week 5 Preview
After betting on the Panthers the first three weeks of the season and finally getting a win in Week 3, I took last week off but am back.
The Bears were extremely fortunate to get a win last week against a Rams team that has been decimated by injuries. The Rams were 1-of-4 in the red zone and minus-2 on the turnover margin. Los Angeles also was close to one yard better in terms of net yards per play, and that was without an offensive line or either of its top playmakers in Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp.
So, the Bears have two wins this season: against the Titans, which was one of the most fraudulent wins in the NFL over the last 25 years, and the Rams. Chicago beat Tennessee in Week 1 without scoring an offensive touchdown.
Meanwhile, I thought the Panthers were pretty unlucky last week against the Bengals. They were stopped at the goal line to start the game and had a turnover inside their own 20-yard line that led to a Bengals touchdown. Then Cincinnati scored right before halftime.
What gives me the most encouragement about this pick is Andy Dalton. The upgrade from Bryce Young to the “Red Rocket” cannot be overstated. Dalton is seventh in adjusted EPA per play this season, while Caleb Williams is 28th and Young is 33rd.
Also, the Panthers offensive line is giving Dalton time to work. Carolina’s pressure percentage allowed is the best in the NFL. Give a veteran like Dalton time, and he’ll cook.
I’m also not sold on this Bears offense. The line isn’t giving Williams much time and while D’Andre Swift finally had some success last week, I’m still of the belief that this is a bad rushing offense.
I simply can’t get to Bears -4 here, so I’m taking the points with the road underdog.
Pick: Panthers +4
Betting Trends
- 55% of bets and 61% of the money are on the Bears to cover the spread.
- 83% of bets and 75% of the money are on the over.
- 91% of bets and 70% of the money on the moneyline are on the Bears.
How to Watch: Time, Channel, Streaming
| Location: | Soldier Field |
| Date: | Sunday, Oct. 6 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FOX / YouTube TV |
Bears vs. Panthers is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET start time, live from Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 6. The game is broadcasted live by FOX and is streaming on YouTube TV.
NFL Weather
