Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers: Who Wins?
By Erik Lambert
Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Two teams hoping for a bounce back victory collide in Week 5. Who has the edge and who gets the win between the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers?
Subplots
Jared Allen and Charles Johnson health status
Both teams struggled mightily in Week 4 with their ability to apply pressure on the quarterback. Carolina starter Charles Johnson has been dealing with a hip flexor that is clearly affecting his explosiveness. Meanwhile Jared Allen is working his way back from a serious battle with pneumonia. Pass rush will likely tell the tale of this contest and it may come down to which of these veteran stars has the better game.
Key Matchup
Thomas Davis against Matt Forte
One of the biggest surprises of the 2014 season has been the decline of the Carolina defense. Having ranked 2nd overall last season, they’ve fallen on hard times recently, none more so than their run defense. Through four weeks they are giving up 140.8 yards on the ground. Part of the reason for that is the absence of key linebacker Thomas Davis. So they got some good news when he returned to practice from a hamstring issue.
It will be up to him to track and stop Bears running back Matt Forte, who just finished running over Green Bay for 171 total yards including 123 on the ground. Chicago will look to get him the ball early. Davis and the Panthers have to stop him, otherwise they may not have the tools to stop a really good Bears offense.
Fantasy Names To Watch
Jerricho Cotchery – WR
Kelvin Benjamin has been the real surprise of 2014 for Carolina but veteran Jerricho Cotchery may be the key to their success in this game. He’s having a very solid season as the #3 pass target and the Bears are currently hurting on defense, missing both their best coverage linebacker and a reliable nickel corner as well. Cotchery has a chance to make a few significant plays in this game.
Brandon Marshall – WR
The past couple games have not gone well for Brandon Marshall, who is typically a fantasy football staple. Much of that is due to a lingering ankle problem that has hobbled him. Word out of Halas Hall however indicates the 30-year practiced without restrictions for the first time since opening week. He appears health again and could face a Panthers secondary in a state of flux what with Melvin White being replaced by Josh Norman. If Marshall is close to 100%, it won’t matter.
Pick: CHI 24, CAR 26
This game can really go either way but it may end up coming down to the injuries and the home field. The Carolina Panthers have advantages in both areas. It will take a good game from Cam Newton, which is no guarantee behind that offensive line, but it should prove just enough to overcome a banged up Chicago Bears team.