On the Line: Bears vs Panthers (-2.5)

C3 On the Line series bets the Carolina Panthers line and discusses the literal stakes on the line. CarolinaCatChronicles.com On the Line is not betting advice, but a means for football discussion.

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers

Panthers -2.5 (45.5 O/U)

On a two game skid after a hot start, the 2-2 Carolina Panthers host the 2-2 Chicago Bears.  The Bears struggled last week against division rival Green Bay Packers, and the Panthers have been blown-out two consecutive weeks and suffered some pretty debilitating injuries.  Someone is bound to win Sunday, so what’s really on the line in Bank of America Stadium this weekend.

All Bets Are In:

Professor’s Bet: Chicago Bears +2.5  (Taking the Over 45.5)

I’ll be rooting for the Panther, but I just can’t pick them this week.  Carolina is a mess right now.  The injuries are killing the team, they’ve been playing poorly, and the coaching staff looks a bit demoralized.  I just don’t see Carolina getting the needed pass-rush to combat Jay Cutler and giant receivers on the outside.  Matt Forte has give Carolina problems in the past as well.  I wouldn’t bet the over under in this game, but I’d take the over if I was at gunpoint.  Two weeks ago, it would have been the under all day.  Without a dominant pass-rush, Carolina will continue to struggle to stop opponents.  

What’ most important about this game is what’s really “On the Line” for this team.  I thought the Baltimore game was a must win after the embarrassing Prime Time blowout by the Steelers.  If Carolina looks bad in this game, it’s going to be hard to take a lot of positives away, even if the entire division is in the cellar.  27-24 Bears.

Commish’s Bet: Bears +2.5 (Over the 45.5)  

After starting 2-0 and now being 2-2, the question really is “Which Panthers defense will show up?” The Bears’ defense doesn’t have a top group of edge-rushers, which helps cover our weakness (the offensive tackles). However, Carolina’s backfield is down to 4th-stringers and/or practice squad guys other than DeAngelo, who I think is supposed to play. He can’t carry the entire load. Defensively, DE Mario Addison really needs to step things up - as does Big Money. The Bears’ CBs match up better with our WRs than ours do with theirs. The only big advantage Carolina would have had over Chicago is the defense, but until I see otherwise, it cannot be counted upon.

34-24 Bears