(670 The Score) The Bears have completed the significant work of a potentially transformational offseason, which included the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. With that, the spotlight has turned to Chicago.
The NFL officially released its full 2024 regular-season schedule Wednesday evening, meaning the Bears can begin looking ahead to their third season led by head coach Matt Eberflus and the rookie campaign of Williams — all with the hope of contending once again after a pair of rebuilding seasons.
Here's a look at the Bears’ full schedule, followed by three takeaways from the slate.
Week 1: vs. Titans
Week 2: at Texans (Sunday Night Football)
Week 3: at Colts
Week 4: vs. Rams
Week 5: vs. Panthers
Week 6: vs. Jaguars (in London)
Week 7: Bye week
Week 8: at Commanders
Week 9: at Cardinals
Week 10: vs. Patriots
Week 11: vs. Packers
Week 12: vs. Vikings
Week 13: at Lions (Thanksgiving Day)
Week 14: at 49ers
Week 15: at Vikings (Monday Night Football)
Week 16: vs. Lions
Week 17: vs. Seahawks (Thursday Night Football)
Week 18: at Packers
National spotlight is on the Bears
National television networks have long been intent on capitalizing on the third-largest media market by regularly tabbing the Bears to play in primetime. In recent years, that has felt cruel given that the Bears weren't worthy of such a platform.
But the Bears are now deserving of that national focus, and they're set to receive it this season. Chicago will be featured in five national spotlight games this season – one on Sunday Night Football, one in London, one on Thanksgiving Day, one on Monday Night Football and one on Thursday Night Football.
Chicago warrants the spotlight after an offseason in which it added dynamic running back D'Andre Swift in free agency, six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen in a trade and Williams and receiver Rome Odunze in the first round of the NFL Draft. At long last, the Bears look to have a dangerous offense to go with a defense that's expected to be a top-10 unit in the NFL.
In Week 2, the Bears will visit the Texans for an intriguing matchup on Sunday Night Football against a Houston team that made the playoffs behind then-rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud last season. In Week 15, the Bears will face the Vikings on Monday Night Football in a game that could pit a pair of rookie quarterbacks against each other in Williams and Minnesota's J.J. McCarthy. The Bears' regular-season home finale will come on Thursday Night Football in Week 17, when they welcome the Seahawks to Chicago.
It's also possible the Bears could add one more primetime game. If there are playoff stakes on the line in Week 18, the Bears-Packers matchup could well be selected to be played on the Saturday or Sunday night to close the regular season.
Down to the wire in the NFC North
In an odd twist, the Bears will play all six of their divisional games in the last eight weeks of the season, adding significance and drama to what could be a great NFC North race in 2024.
The reigning division champion Lions return a strong team after coming up just shy of reaching the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. Detroit has retained most of its core from last season and reached contract extensions with quarterback Jared Goff, star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell this offseason.
Led by quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers earned a playoff victory in Dallas last January to signal their status as a contender moving forward. Like in 2023, Chicago will once again close out the regular season in Green Bay. This time around, the game figures to be of greater importance for the Bears.
Despite losing quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Falcons in free agency, the Vikings remain intent on contending in 2024. Veteran Sam Darnold is likely to open the season as the starting quarterback in Minnesota, though the rookie McCarthy will be ready to press him.
The NFC North should be quite a fascinating division, and the Bears' schedule will give them the opportunity to claim it down the stretch in head-to-head matchups against their divisional rivals.
Favorable slate
The beauty of the NFL is how parity reigns supreme each year. In 19 of the last 21 seasons, a team has gone from worst to first in a division – a reminder of how fortunes can quickly change in the league.
The Bears may be in line to do just that in 2024. On paper, they have quite the favorable slate. Sharp Football Analysis listed Chicago with the third-easiest schedule based on opponents’ projected win totals by Las Vegas oddsmakers. Only the Falcons and Chargers have lighter schedules by that metric.
The Bears also have the third-easiest schedule based on 2023 results, with their opponents combining for a .467 winning percentage last season. Only the Falcons and Saints play foes with a worse winning percentage (.453) from a year ago.
If the season shapes up as the Bears hope, they're well-positioned to push for the playoffs.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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