All of the Bears 2023 opponents were already known to us, but we now have the precise dates and times for each game since the regular-season schedule was officially released. Although it’s difficult to anticipate which Bears opponents will perform better than expected and which will fall short, the release of the schedule makes it the ideal moment to make some early win-loss predictions.
The projections in this article are mostly based on 2022 results, offseason roster changes, and the quality of the schedule determined by winning percentage from the previous season.
Week 1 – Bears vs Green Bay Packers (W)
We don’t know how good these teams will be, but we do know that Aaron Rodgers is no longer on the field. Jordan Love who, to be honest, we don’t know much about, could be awful. Plus, this game is being played at Soldier Field. For the first time in almost three decades, no more hall of fame quarterbacks will be coming out of that tunnel. I count that as a victory.
Week 2 – Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W)
Tom Brady is no longer in Tampa. Can Baker Mayfield, however, defeat the Bears in week 2? In my opinion, no.
Week 3 – Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (L)
This is a good benchmark game for the Bears, but the defending Super Bowl champs are too potent. They should and will easily defeat the Bears.
Week 4 – Bears vs Denver Broncos (W)
The Broncos are poised for a comeback season after Nathaniel Hackett was replaced by Sean Payton. But the Bears can win this game with little doubt. Russell Wilson looked terrible last year and it could continue.
Week 5 – Bears at Washington Commanders (W)
The devastating 12-7 loss to Washington last season served as a catalyst for Chicago’s attack and Justin Fields’ explosive rushing style. Fields should lead this offense to victory in a favorable prime-time clash since Sam Howell will be the Commanders’ starting quarterback, which increases the likelihood that this game will be won.
Week 6 – Bears vs Minnesota Vikings (L)
To replace Adam Thielen, the Vikings selected USC wide receiver Jordan Addison in the first round and still have Justin Jefferson. In a contract year, Kirk Cousins should have a successful season. The necessary pass rush is lacking for the Bears to pressure Cousins. The absence of pressure will put a lot of work on the Bears’ secondary to close in on the two quick route-runners Jefferson and Addison.
Week 7 – Bears vs Las Vegas Raiders (W)
In a game that will feature new Vegas quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the Bears will play home to the Raiders. Like in the good old days in Green Bay, Jaylon Johnson will get to face off against Davante Adams.
Week 8 – Bears at Los Angeles Chargers (L)
I see Justin Fields making a few turnovers in a dismal effort in primetime as Justin Herbert destroys the Bears’ defense with the help of a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore.
Week 9 – Bears at New Orleans Saints (L)
The Saints, who have a new quarterback in Derek Carr, are hoping to get New Orleans back on track in the NFC South when the Bears travel to the Big Easy to play them.
Week 10 – Bears vs Carolina Panthers (W)
The “Do you have regrets” game would be this one.
The Bears decided to stick with Fields and trade the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for wide receiver DJ Moore and a number of other draft picks after carefully evaluating the 2023 QB class. The Panthers used that pick on Alabama QB Bryce Young, who the Bears will see a lot of during this game.
Week 11 – Bears at Detroit Lions (L)
The Lions are the team to beat in the NFC North this year, and if the first matchup from the previous year is any indicator, it should be a fun one.
Week 12 – Bears at Minnesota Vikings (L)
Monday night football seems to be the Bears best games. Last year the Bears won 33-14 in Foxboro. Still, I don’t think it will be enough to beat this Vikings team at home.
Week 13 – BYE
Week 14 – Bears vs Detroit Lions (W)
Last year at Soldier Field, the Bears should have defeated the Lions, but a fourth-quarter breakdown that featured a pick-six and a failed extra point caused the Bears to lose 31-30. I don’t think that will happen again. The Bears should win this one.
Week 15 – Bears at Cleveland Browns (L)
In Cleveland two years ago, Justin Fields’ first start of his career swiftly devolved into a nightmare. As former head coach Matt Nagy failed to alter the game plan to keep his rookie quarterback upright, Fields was sacked nine times. The Bears have improved, but against Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett I still see this as a Cleveland win.
Week 16 – Bears vs Arizona Cardinals (W)
There’s a good chance Kyler Murray won’t be healthy when week 16 rolls around. I would bet that Colt McCoy will start this game and the Bears will steal a win late.
Week 17 – Bears vs Atlanta Falcons (L)
The Falcons have greatly improved over the offseason and added Bijan Robinson to their arsenal. Many will disagree with this prediction but I circle it as a loss.
Week 18 – Bears at Green Bay Packers (L)
By this time Jordan Love should be well rounded and familiarized with the Packers offense. In the freezing tundra, Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon lead the Packers to a season-ending victory.
Final Prediction: 8-9
