2024 NFL Schedule: Predicting the outcome for every Chicago Bears game

The NFL released the schedule for the 2024 season Wednesday night, and the Chicago Bears have an exciting slate of games this fall. It includes zero division games until Week 11, zilch, nada.

We are still a long way away from the start of the season, but this is the perfect time for a way-too-early record prediction.

Let’s examine the Bears’ upcoming season and determine whether they have a realistic road to the playoffs.

Week 1 vs Titans: WIN

This was not one of the matchups I’d hoped the Bears would get for Week 1, but it’s not a terrible one, either. The Titans did not have a great defense last year and did not do much to change that. Plus, they will have a first-time defensive coordinator in Dennard Wilson. I expect Caleb Williams to take advantage of this semi-soft NFL debut and for head coach Matt Eberflus to make life uncomfortable for second-year quarterback Will Levis.

Week 2 at Texans: LOSS

This Sunday Night Football matchup will hopefully be one of the most electric quarterback duels of the year. Caleb Williams vs CJ Stroud. This would be a great win for Chicago, but as of right now, I can’t pick the Bears to beat the red-hot Texans.

Week 3 at Colts: WIN

This could be yet another exciting quarterback duel. The Colts are a good, well-coached team, but due to Colts’ quarterback Anthony Richardson missing most of his rookie season, I expect Williams to be the more polished passer in this one.

Week 4 vs Rams: WIN

The Rams are still a very good team but will have to figure out how to play defense without arguably the greatest defensive tackle of all time. This one could go either way, but I’m going to lean towards the Bears as of right now.

Week 5 vs Panthers: WIN

Carolina won just two games in 2023 and did not improve much. This one will be a blowout.

Week 6 vs Jaguars (London): LOSS

It’s only Week 6, and we will already have our third epic quarterback duel: Trevor Lawrence vs. Caleb Williams, two quarterbacks who earned that coveted “generational” label before their draft. Hopefully, these two teams will put on a show for London, but unfortunately for Bears fans, that show will probably end with a close loss.

Week 7 BYE

Week 8 at Commanders: WIN

Both Williams and Montez Sweat likely have this game circled already. Some analysts had Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels ranked higher than Williams, and I’m sure he can’t wait to prove them wrong. As for Sweat, he’ll want to show his former team that they should never have traded him.

Week 9 at Cardinals: WIN

After drafting generational receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals will be a much-improved team in 2024. However, I don’t think they’ll have improved enough.

Week 10 vs Patriots: WIN

Williams will get his second chance to duel with a quarterback drafted right after him. I believe Drake Maye will be the franchise quarterback for New England, but the Patriots are still in the early stages of their rebuild. This one will be ugly for them.

Week 11 vs Packers: WIN

Finally, in Week 11, the Bears get a division rival. The Green Bay Packers will make their annual trip to Soldier Field and, this time, will leave with a loss. The Bears are finally ready to take back the head-to-head series lead.

Week 12 vs Vikings: WIN

The Vikings are a tough opponent to predict. They’ve assembled a really good team but will be starting a rookie quarterback, the fifth quarterback of his draft class, no less. If JJ McCarthy has found a groove by now, the Vikings are strong playoff contenders. If not, they will once again struggle.

Week 13 at Lions: LOSS

I hate to admit it, but the Lions had a fantastic draft class. They’re coming off an NFC Championship appearance and have only gotten better. They’ll be able to protect their house and enjoy a well-earned turkey leg on Thanksgiving.

Week 14 at 49ers: LOSS

Not too much to say about this one. The Bears aren’t on San Francisco’s level yet. Ideally, they keep this one close.

Week 15 at Vikings: LOSS

Division games are always tough, and unless Caleb Williams plays like CJ Stroud or Andrew Luck in their rookie years, I can’t see Chicago sweeping the Vikings—not yet, anyway. Losing this Monday Night Football matchup will mean the Bears are winless so far in primetime games in 2024.

Week 16 vs Lions: WIN

The Bears avenge their spoiled Thanksgiving this time around with an emphatic home win over Detroit, ending their three-game losing streak.

Week 17 vs Seahawks: WIN

On Thursday Night Football, the Chicago Bears finally get a primetime win. This is probably the game that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has circled, a revenge game of his own.

Week 18 at Packers: LOSS

It’s hard enough predicting the Bears to get one win over the Packers. To sweep them is just too much. The Bears take an unfortunate loss here to end the regular season.

Final Result: 11-6 with a playoff berth

As I said earlier, these are way too early predictions and subject to change, but I see the Bears with a realistic road to 11 wins plus a playoff berth.

Once again, everything hinges on the quarterback. If Caleb Williams is “as advertised,” the Bears will be one of the best teams in the NFC.