Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers: Top 5 Matchups To Watch In Week 5

This matchup will answer the question of what happens when a bad running team plays a team that can't stop the run. The answer will be a deciding factor in this game. The Panthers are down to their fourth-string running back, Darrin Reaves, but going against the Bears' rush defense will be a welcoming sight.

The Panthers' success revolves around getting pressure on the quarterback. They failed to win the line of scrimmage on defense in each of the last two games and paid the price for it. This week, it will be imperative for the pass rush to win the battle because Chicago has the weapons to pick apart the Panthers' secondary.

Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechley are likely the best pair of coverage linebackers in the NFL. They will have their hands full this week against Martellus Bennett, who is second in the league in catches among tight ends. The Panthers' ability to slow down Bennett will be an important factor to watch in this game.

This will be a fun matchup to watch. It features the offensive rookie of the month going head-to-head against the defensive rookie of the month. It will be much more important for Carolina to get the advantage here because Benjamin has already become the No. 1 target for Cam Newton.

If everything goes correctly for Chicago, then this will be a mismatch. Carolina's secondary has been picked apart in the last two weeks, but nothing is ever as easy as it should be with Jay Cutler. The number to watch in this matchup will be interceptions. If it is zero, the Bears will win, but a couple of bad decisions by Cutler could swing the game.