Chicago Bears: Ranking the top 7 biggest NFC threats

7. Carolina Panthers, tier three

A year ago, through the first nine weeks of the season, the Panthers were sitting at 6-2 and looked like a potential playoff matchup for the Bears. However, once Carolina Quarterback Cam Newton injured his shoulder, the Panthers would win just one game over the final eight weeks of the season and miss out on the playoffs.

Now, there are multiple reports that Newton is healthy and is ready to go in 2019. If this is really the case, then it’s clear that the Panthers are hungry and motivated to prove the NFC wrong in 2019.

The Panthers are a threat to the Bears for many different reasons. First, the offense features electric playmakers like running back Christian McCaffery and second-year wide receiver D.J. Moore that will look to become big parts of the offense in 2019.

Then on defense, Carolina has one of the best front sevens in the NFL. The defense, led by All-Pro Linebacker Luke Kuechly also has Pro Bowlers like Gerald McCoy, Eric Reid, and Kawann Short. While this defense may not be as talented as the Bears, it certainly proved to be a force last season.

There is, however, one thing to understand about the Panthers. They’ve got what it takes to be Super Bowl team, but are they? Every year it seems as there is talk about the Panthers being a Super Bowl contender, but then one of two things happens. First, they either miss the playoffs or second, they end up losing in the first or second round of the playoffs.

Time will tell, but the Panthers are definitely a team to watch this season. They may not be as good as the Bears, but if they make the playoffs, they could definitely be a team to watch for in January.