Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears: Last Minute Spread Info and Predictions

Sunday's game at Soldier Field between the 1-2 Carolina Panthers and 1-2 Chicago Bears will feature two teams that are seemingly heading in different directions. The winner will be firmly in their divisional race, while the loser will be in a fairly deep hole.

The Panthers won their first game of the season last week by outlasting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Carolina had impressive performances the previous two weeks as well, though, losing by seven points each to the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers as rookie quarterback Cam Newton had 400 yards in both games.

Chicago opened the season by destroying the Atlanta Falcons, but it has disappointed since with decisive losses to the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers. The Bears have had a brutal schedule to this point, so Carolina may be a welcome opponent.

The Bears are seven-point favorites at home, but the Panthers certainly aren't pushovers. This should be an excellent test for both teams.

When: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET 

Watch: FOX

Spread: Chicago Bears (-7)

Over/Under: 42.5 

Prediction

Both the Bears and Panthers have been devoid of running games this season, so whichever team gets the ground game going best could conceivably win this game. Neither defense has been particularly good against the pass, though, so there could be some offensive fireworks.

The Panthers are a young team that is still learning how to win, so I would expect Chicago to prevail, but Carolina has kept every game within seven points thus far so it should be closer than the spread suggests.

Bears win, 28-24.