Week 9 of the NFL season was full of crazy outcomes that also displayed some tough playoff-like contests. A couple of games could have gone either way, and that swayed many different decision-makers' outcomes regarding their respective predictions. The Steelers kicked the week of competition off last Thursday night.
That was hard to predict as the Steelers have routinely been an up-and-down team this season. They have found different ways to win ball games and continue their shocking playoff push. Week ten of the NFL season will not get any easier for picks this time around. There are plenty of even matchups this week that could cause another stressful week of predictions.
2023 season prediction record after Week 9: 71-49
This past weekend was one of the worst in this series when it comes to the final record for the week. We broke even and had to swallow our pride as things did not go in our favor. No matter what happened last week, there is still a positive record hanging onto dear life above and there is hope to grow that lead with a new week ahead.
Carolina Panthers (1-7) vs Chicago Bears (2-7), Thursday at 8:15 P.M. EST
Prediction: Bears 15, Panthers 10
Justin Fields is still doubtful for this game on a short week, and it will come down to which club can play more physically than the other. Tyson Bagent has not been great since becoming the interim starter with Fields out. Bryce Young of the Panthers has not been as advertised during the early portion of his career either.
Chicago has a couple more quality pieces around where they should be able to handle Carolina on Thursday night under the lights. This could very well swing in the Panthers' favor if they find a way to create 20 points or more. That does not seem like a reasonable expectation for them and that means Chicago should be able to win a low-scoring game.