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The Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers are set to square off in what might just be the most offensive Thursday Night Football game yet.
Which is saying a lot considering last year’s contest between the Colts and Broncos was an affront to the game of football itself.
But when the 2-7 Bears welcome the 1-7 Panthers to Soldier Field on Thursday night, several Chicago fans will be hoping their team does not win.
Though they won’t be rooting for a Carolina win either.
Instead, a number of a Bears fans have determined that the best possible outcome to Thursday’s game is that the two teams tie.
Why is that?
Well, the answer is simple.
Bears Tie Vs. Panthers Would Maximize 2024 NFL Draft Pick Value
Not only do the Chicago Bears have their own 2024 NFL Draft pick, which is looking more and more like a top-five pick with each passing week. But they also possess the 2024 first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers thanks to a trade that saw Carolina move up from No. 9 to No. 1 in the 2023 NFL Draft and select quarterback Bryce Young.
How does that change the calculus?
If the season ended today, Chicago would have the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft via Carolina. It would also possess a pick of its own somewhere between No. 3 and No. 5 based on tiebreakers.
So a victory tonight would move the Carolina pick closer to No. 1 but it would move Chicago’s own pick further down the order.
A loss, however, and Carolina moves farther away securing the No. 1 pick, which would subsequently go to Chicago due to the trade.
Got it?
Do Bears players want to win tonight? Of course.
Do Bears fans want their team to win? The answer to that question is a little bit more murky.