2024 Chicago Bears Schedule Preview: Matchup Analysis, Record Prediction

The Chicago Bears 2024 schedule was released on Wednesday night. With that comes travel plans, predictions, expectations, hopes, and dreams for the fall. Over the last few weeks, I've been prepping for the season by reviewing every NFL team's roster. In doing so, I've gotten to know each team's starting lineups and built my expectations for the Bears season accordingly. Here's how I see the Bears' 2024 schedule playing out.

Below, you'll find a summary of the Bears' lineup, draft class , and offseason moves. The percentages above each player's name represent a simple combination of PFF grade and snap counts played over the last two years. It's meant to be a rough estimation of the players ranking league-wide, with ~65% being an average starter. For each team, I did my best to estimate an accurate depth chart using a combination of ESPN , Ourlads , and PFF . They may not all be perfect, but they were the best estimates from what I could gather.

Week 1: Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread : Bears -4.5

Mike Vrabel is out, and Brian Callahan is in. Callahan, the son of longtime NFL and current Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan, will call plays for the first time. Offensively, this thing will go as far as Will Levis does. Tennessee added multiple weapons in free agency to be a viable if not above-average NFL offense. But the quarterback who likes mayo a bit too much remains a question mark, as does the right side of his offensive line.

This is a favorable matchup for the Bears, but it's important to remember that Week 1 is full of upsets. Every team and every player has a fresh start. I expect the Bears to pull out a narrow victory here on the back of a few takeaways.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 1-0

Week 2: Chicago Bears at Houston Texans (SNF)

Opening Spread: Bears +4

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?! A Sunday Night PARTY! We get to see Caleb Williams under the bright lights for the first time, as the Bears travel to Houston to take on the reigning AFC South champions. CJ Stroud exploded onto the scene as a rookie in 2023, leading the Texans to a playoff win. The Texans went into the offseason ready to load up the roster around their young playmaker.

I think there's a chance here for the Bears' defense to take advantage of the Texans' interior offensive line, but we saw Stroud work around that plenty in his rookie season. Unless Williams wins a shootout, I think the talent disparity might be a little too wide here for the Bears to make up.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 1-1

Week 3: Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts

Opening Spread: Bears +2

The Colts are a bit of a darling right now. They added some really nice talent in the draft to an already solid roster and have an impressive offensive scheme under Shane Steichen . But it all hinges on QB Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He played in four games in 2023 and reached 15 pass attempts in just two of those games. Richardson showed off electric traits with seven total touchdowns scored in those four starts. But he's largely a wild card in the NFL landscape.

This is a game that the Bears could win. To pull it off, they'll need a favorable game script. If the Colts get the lead early, they'll lean on their offensive line to win the game. The Bears could walk away with a win if they force a timely takeaway and get some Caleb Williams magic. But that's asking a lot of a rookie passer in his third NFL start. Plus, weird things happen in the Colts' favor at Lucas Oil Stadium (aka The House that Flus Built). Because of that, I'm marking down the Bears for a narrow defeat.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 1-2

Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears -1.5

When I think about games between the Rams and the Bears, I think about the 2018 and 2019 low-scoring battles. That's not what I have in mind on the lakefront in Week 4. Instead, I think we see a full-on shootout between two offenses as they start to hit their stride. Matt Stafford is playing the best football of his career, and the Rams tightened up their offensive line in front of him. As long as Stafford is healthy, this Rams offense will be hard to stop. Meanwhile, the defensive holes on the Rams roster should become more apparent with the retirement of Aaron Donald and the change at defensive coordinator.

I expect to see more fireworks from Caleb Williams in this game. Against an opponent that Shane Waldron knows well, I envision a game plan that opens the playbook up for the young QB and lets him fly. The Bears must score early and often to win this game, and I think the coaching staff will plan accordingly.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 2-2

Week 5: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears -5.5

Bryce Young versus Caleb Williams. These two players will forever be tied together due to the 2023 trade for the No. 1 overall pick. All of us Bears fans have laughingly thanked the Panthers for Williams. But I guarantee that Young and others on the Panthers roster don't appreciate those laughs. And looking at the Panthers roster, this is a much-improved team from last year. My gut says that the Panthers won't be an easy out in 2024.

The opening spread of -5.5 points feels rich in this game, where everything will be personal for the Panthers players. I expect an old-school, slow, ball control game from both teams. Ultimately, I see the Bears sneaking out of a nail-biter victorious.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 3-2

Week 6: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears (London)

Opening Spread: Bears +1

Pack your bags. The Bears are going to London ! This will technically be a home game for the charter franchise despite being played on foreign soil. Games that are played overseas always end up being weird. One team always seems far more prepared than the other, and the Jaguars have the experience advantage here. They played two games in London last season (Falcons, Bills), winning both.

These two rosters have a very similar talent level. But the Jaguars have the edge in quarterback (for now), overseas experience, and a more urgent ticking clock to win now. For all those reasons, I'm giving this one to the Jaguars.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 3-3

Week 8: Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders

Opening Spread: Bears -2

Coming off the bye week, we get a matchup between the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. This game will represent one of the largest talent disparities on the Bears' schedule. The Commanders' roster is at least a year away from competing. Even though I didn't agree with their QB decision at No. 2 overall, I think they had a strong draft class and are building the roster with sound logic. But sound logic doesn't fill immediate needs very well.

This is a game that I expect the Bears to win. Caleb Williams might put on a show in his "homecoming" game. And the Bears' defense should be able to generate pressure against a weak Washington offensive line. I see this going one of two ways: (1) a game where the defense generates takeaways or (2) a game where Washington struggles to move the football because Jayden Daniels struggles to find throws he likes.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 4-3

Week 9: Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals

Opening Spread: Bears -1

Weird things happen to the Bears at State Farm Stadium. In 2006, the Bears won despite only scoring three points on offense. The next time the Bears played there in 2012, they won on the back of two defensive touchdowns while also giving up a touchdown on a blocked field goal. Then, in 2018, they won thanks to four takeaways in a game the offense deserved to lose.

This time, we get the Lincoln Riley QB storyline. Both Caleb Williams and Kyler Murray won Heisman Trophies while playing for Lincoln Riley in college. I expect Murray to return to form after recovering from a torn ACL in 2022 and adding Marvin Harrison Jr. to the offense. But the Cardinals' defense leaves a lot to be desired in the talent department. The scheme will be wild and fun. There's only so much they can do without the talent, though. Give me the Bears in a fun but weird game.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 5-3

Week 10: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears -5.5

Don't be fooled by the spread. This Patriots' defense is still nasty. Last year, despite multiple injuries to key players, New England still ranked seventh in yards allowed, eighth in defensive EPA/Play, and second in multiple run defense metrics. With Jerod Mayo taking over as head coach, this defense should continue to be a strong unit. But offensively, the Patriots are missing more than a few pieces. Adding Drake Maye with the third pick in the draft was the right move, but he has little in the way of proven production to work with.

This game could present some hurdles for Caleb Williams as he's forced to navigate more complex coverage concepts. We could see a bit of a letdown game from Williams here but still see the Bears come away with the win. The Bears' defense should be able to take care of business against the Patriots and position the offense in enough favorable situations to walk away victorious.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 6-3

Week 11: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears -1

We are finally here. This is the moment we've all been waiting for. You hate the Packers. I hate the Packers. Our parents hate the Packers. And our children will hate the Packers. This is our first chance to see Caleb Williams against those who shall not be named. The changing of the tide , perhaps?

I thought that might happen in Week 1 last season, but instead, I just walked away from that game a broken man. They can't keep getting away with it, and I need Williams to take care of business. In the wise words of Forrest Gump, that is all I have to say about that.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 7-3

Week 12: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears -3

If the Bears do beat Green Bay in Week 10, this game has all the makings of a letdown game. At this point, a victory over the Packers would be such an ultimate high for this franchise that I almost expect to lose the week after. It happens all the time in the NFL. A team expels so much mental and physical energy into one game that they play a stinker the following week. The last time the Bears beat the Packers in 2018, they nearly lost to a 4-10 San Francisco team the following week.

If you mix in the Brian Flores factor, this becomes a dangerous letdown spot for the Bears. Flores tends to put rookie passers into a blender. It's not that I think Sam Darnold or JJ McCarthy will light the Bears' defense up. On the contrary, I think this will be an ugly game, offensively. But at this point, I've predicted a lot of good luck for the Bears, and that needs to turn eventually.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 7-4

Week 13: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving)

Opening Spread: Bears +3.5

In their third consecutive divisional game, the Bears face off with the cream of the NFC North crop in the Detroit Lions. Last year, the Bears defense gave Jared Goff fits. In two games, he threw three touchdowns, five interceptions, and took six sacks. I don't think it's guaranteed that the Bears' defense can replicate that, but I do think Chicago has a knack for getting under his skin. Meanwhile, the Lions' defense is vastly improved with the addition of defensive tackle DJ Reader and multiple coverage players with impressive versatility.

We're in for another old-school, ball control battle. Matt Eberflus was able to steal one from Detroit last year with an old-school mentality, and I think he'll stick with that game plan, especially considering the short week, which usually results in simplified game plans. Much like last year, I think the Lions' talent surplus steals them the first game of the series.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 7-5

Week 14: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers

Opening Spread: Bears +5.5

This is the first game of the year where I think the Bears might be flat-out overmatched. West Coast road games are hard enough. But once you add the notable talent discrepancy, this game is difficult to be optimistic about. The 49ers have the advantage in offensive talent, defensive talent, and coaching.

Maybe by this point in the season, Caleb Williams will have hit enough of a stride that he can raise all ships. But I hate counting on a rookie being a multiplier. I have the 49ers taking this game.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 7-6

Week 15: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (MNF)

Opening Spread: Bears -1

Brian Flores got the best of Caleb Williams in the first matchup. But this time, the Bears are coming off a painful loss. Williams is more prepared to square up with the masterful defensive coordinator, and I see him putting on a show as the Bears' defense does enough to shut down the Vikings' dangerous pass catchers. Give me the Bears to win by more than a touchdown on Monday Night Football in the house that Kevin Warren built.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 8-6

Week 16: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

Opening Spread: Bears +2

In round two against the Lions, I think we see a much different plan of attack. The Bears are on short rest following Monday Night Football but still have time to implement a full game plan. That scheme includes asking Caleb Williams to pull more weight for the offense.

The Bears' defensive line continues to worry me against the Lions' rushing attack and dominant offensive line. But as long as the Bears score points, they pressure the Lions to throw the football. If the Bears' defense can continue to force mistakes from Jared Goff, I have the Bears coming out with a win.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 9-6

Week 17: Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears (TNF)

Opening Spread: Bears -3.5

I'm going to be honest here. This spread makes no sense to me, at all. Maybe this isn't the thing to say in a Bears article written by a Bears fan for Bears fans, but the Bears shouldn't be favored here. The Seahawks brought in a new head coach, former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald .

This Seahawks defense is talented all over and will be multiple in scheme. Offensively, they still have three bona fide wide receivers and two high-quality running backs. The offensive line has some question marks, but this is a talented football team that I expect to be well-coached. While I think the Bears can keep this game close and should have a chance to win, I have a hard time making them favorites.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 9-7

Week 18: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

Opening Spread: Bears +3

Ugh. This team, man. Every stinking year, it feels like the Bears come up against the Packers late in the year only to be embarrassed. With a record of 9-7 entering this game, this one is for all the marbles. I'm already having nightmares about the 2019 and 2020 losses at Lambeau from even thinking about this game.

Yes, the Green Bay Packers live in my head rent-free. No, there's nothing I can do about that until the Chicago Bears get their act together and make this thing a rivalry again. But this time of year is when hope runs free. Right now, anything is possible. And for me, that means the Bears will SWEEP the Packers and punch their ticket to the playoffs in Week 18 at Lambeau Field.

Chicago Bears Record Prediction: 10-7

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