Jordan Howard has out-touched teammate Tarik Cohen 56 to 22 with rookie Mitchell Trubisky starting at quarterback over the last two games. Howard has also averaged a 61.62% snap rate compared to Cohen's mere 30.1% rate in that span. What's even more important, though, is that Howard's role seems secure moving forward.

The Chicago Bears averaged a 59% pass rate (13th overall) through their first four games with Mike Glennon leading the offense. Over the last two weeks, however, Chicago has averaged a league-high 63% run rate. Note that the New Orleans Saints are the next 'closest' team in that span, having run on 54% of offensive plays since Week 5.

The Carolina Panthers currently rank just outside the top-10 against the run, but all-world linebacker Luke Kuechly, who Pro Football Focus has graded 11th-overall among 85 qualifiers at linebacker in run defense, has either been absent from or limited in practice throughout the week.

This is a big deal, as our own Jim Sannes mentioned earlier in the week. In the nine games Kuechly has missed since 2015, the Panthers have allowed and average of 102.1 rushing yards and 4.19 yards per attempt. In the 23 games he's suited up for during this time, those numbers drop to 85.2 and 3.76, respectively.

Howard will likely continue to lead the Bears' backfield in touches regardless of Kuechly's status. It sweetens the matchup, though, if the latter is ruled out prior to kickoff.