1.) Evaluate Players
The Bears are at a point in their season where winning is not important. It can even be said that winning this game cannot happen. The Bear’s draft position would stay the same or improve with a loss, but a win would likely move them out of the top two. As there isn’t anything to play for, the Bears will likely play their depth players over starters. This will give the coaching staff and front office a chance to evaluate and watch these players that could provide depth next season. It will also give the players themselves a chance to prove their worth to the team and possibly earn a new contract.
2.) Rely on the Run
The Bears will be without Justin Fields due to a hip injury that is keeping him from playing. Former Buffalo Bill Nathan Peterman will get the start in his place. Peterman is known for his tendency to throw many interceptions. His career touchdown to interception ratio is 3-13, making it one of the worst in the league. The offensive line has also been banged up, with almost half the starters out for the season finale. Because of this, the Bears will likely rely on the run game to move the ball. Doing this will also give Ryan Poles an opportunity to assess the running back. David Montgomery is looking for a new contract, while Khalil Herbert is trying to prove he can be the RB1 for the Bears. Both have been great this year, and they could try to show their worth to the organization in this game.
3.) Keep an Eye on the Texans Game
The Bears currently hold the number two overall pick in the draft. With a loss and a Texans win, they would grab the number one overall pick. This could be a franchise-changing event. The number one overall pick could mean a generational player, like Will Anderson Jr, or it could mean getting a haul in a trade. There are plenty of quarterback-needy teams, and some of them would want the guarantee of getting their guy. The last time a team traded the number one pick was in 2016 when the Titans traded number one to the Rams for their first-round pick, two second-round picks, a third-round pick, as well as a 2017 first and third. The number one overall pick could be a great way to start the offseason for the Bears, so hope for a Colts victory.
