After an eventful offseason, the NFC North division is wide open. The Bears offense has significantly improved, but there are many rookies that will need to step up and prove themself. Green Bay is undergoing quarterback changes, Minnesota relied on too many one-score victories last season to be considered a dominant threat, and Detroit, while the favorites to win the division, still have a long way to go on the defensive side. Point being, the North is anyone’s game. So, with the draft and free agency long gone and preseason right around the corner, let’s take a look at the Bears’ schedule vs. NFC North opponents.
Week 1: Packers at Home
The departure of Aaron Rodgers bodes very well for Chicago. Jordan Love has big shoes to fill, and will have extremely little NFL experience heading into the season. This game being in week one gives the Bears an advantage as well – the offense will lack chemistry and Love will be easier to catch off guard. With Green Bay’s offensive woes, the Bears should win this first game.
Week 6: Vikings at Home
This is a game that could go either way. The Vikings are in a “competitive rebuild” and lost a big piece of their offense with wide receiver Adam Theilen, but replaced him with USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, who they drafted in round 1. On the other hand, Justin Fields is set to have a big season, and had a great training camp with new addition WR DJ Moore. The Vikings are a much better team on defense, but the Bears’ offense has more potential for electricity than Kirk Cousins’ squad. Given the fact that the game is at Soldier Field, the Bears will pull out a win.
Week 11: Lions in Detroit
Detroit is expected to win the North this year, and it would be very unlikely for them to lose this game. Yes, the Bears improved this offense, but the already superior Lions team got better too. The Bears will put up a good fight, but the Lions will pull off a decisive win at home.
Week 12: Vikings in Minnesota
The Bears will play the Vikings for a second time this season in Minnesota on Monday Night Football. We all know the story of Kirk Cousins in primetime, but that doesn’t mean the Bears have an easy win. This game will be another close battle, similar to week 6. With home field advantage and a superior defense, the Vikings will likely come out on top and split the series with Chicago.
Week 14: Lions at Home
The Lions will be favored in this game, but don’t be surprised if Chicago puts on a show at home. This late in the season, Justin Fields’ confidence and offense harmony will be at a new high, and continuing to grow. If all goes well, the Bears will be on the Lions’ heel for first in the division, or at the very least a wild card spot, which means they will be itching for a win. Hungry and surrounded by Bears fans, Chicago will pull away with a win.
Week 18: Packers in Green Bay
The last game of the division, as well as the last game of the regular season, for the Bears is vs. division rivals at Lambeau Field. Historically, the Bears have been downright awful at Lambeau, but with all the uncertainties in Green Bay the Bears have a chance for victory. Similar to what the Bears did last year, Green Bay will likely use this game to test their young quarterback, Jordan Love. Given that it is the last game of the season, Love will be more comfortable on such a big stage, but if the Packers win this game it will have to come down to running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, overall, the Bears have a more talented offense and leader with Fields, giving them the series sweep vs. the Packers.
