Zayd Hussein MOTM Weekend Post
Chicago Bears vs Carolina Panthers
The Bears remain home again this Sunday after a beautiful performance against the Rams. Last week, they managed to cover the spread as 3-point favorites in a 24-18 victory over Los Angeles, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams completing 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. Veteran running back D’Andre Swift had an impressive game, rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries while leading the team with seven receptions for 72 yards.
Now, they’ll be up against a Carolina defense dealing with significant injuries, having lost both of their starting inside linebackers in a tough loss to Cincinnati. This leaves the Panthers exposed at that position, with Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus—who
have a combined total of just six tackles in their careers—set to start. The Bears should be able to run all over this Panthers defense. Chicago is currently on a seven-game home winning streak stretching back to last season and has triumphed in six of their last seven matchups at home against Carolina. I’m riding with the Bears again as my best bet for Week 5!
Official Pick Bears -4
Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh enters this matchup with a 3-1 record after a narrow 27-24 loss to the Colts, who were led by Joe Flacco. Before that game, the Steelers showcased a strong defensive performance, allowing just 26 points combined over their first three outings, but they faltered against Indianapolis in Week 4.
On the other hand, Dallas stands at 2-2 after a hard-fought 20-15 victory over the Giants on Thursday Night Football. However, they had previously suffered two straight losses to New Orleans (44-19) and Baltimore (28-25). While they have been more successful on the road this season, I anticipate they may struggle on both sides of the ball this Sunday night. The absence of Micah Parsons, one of the league’s top defensive players, will be a significant blow for the Cowboys. Additionally, losing Brandin Cooks, who has been placed on IR, compounds their challenges.
Given these setbacks for Dallas, I’m leaning heavily toward the Steelers in this matchup. I also see this as one of the most pronounced coaching mismatches of the year. Expect Pittsburg to dominate in primetime!