The last two NFL drafts intersect on the field in a Week 5 matchup featuring the Carolina Panthers taking on the Chicago Bears. The Bears are favored by a little over a field goal as they look to extend the league’s longest active home winning streak to eight games.
Even though Bryce Young won’t be under center for the Panthers (1-3), he will forever be linked with the Bears (2-2) because of the trade that preceded him being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That deal not only netted Chicago a haul of draft picks but also wide receiver D.J. Moore. Of course, one of the picks was used on quarterback Caleb Williams, but the others have produced three more starters. And don’t forget, there’s still one pick remaining, a 2025 second-round selection.
After two atrocious games, Young was replaced by Andy Dalton, and the change has been noticeable. Carolina has averaged 406 total yards over its last two games, compared to the 176 with Young at the helm. Dalton hasn’t solved all of the Panthers’ issues, but he has made them more competitive. He also made six starts for the Bears in 2021 during Justin Fields’ rookie season, so there could be a little extra motivation for the 14-year veteran.
On the other side of the ball, Dalton’s former team is coming off of its strongest all-around effort, with all three phases contributing during last week’s 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. More importantly, Williams is showing signs of growth, and he was extremely effective when facing pressure last Sunday. Can the No. 1 pick keep making strides?
Carolina is near the bottom of the league with only five sacks and in rushing yards allowed per game (148.8). The defense also has dealt with plenty of injuries, with linebacker Shaq Thompson being the latest starter lost for the season. These circumstances present a golden opportunity for Williams to take another step forward and help deliver a win for his team, both on the field and when it comes to the narrative of a certain trade.
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Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears odds
How to watch Panthers vs. Bears
- Venue: Soldier Field — Chicago
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Panthers vs. Bears
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(Photo of Caleb Williams: Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
