In 2024, the Chicago Bears didn’t play a divisional game until Week 10.
This year, the schedule makers immediately brought the heat, as they’ll face two NFC North rivals to start the season. With an injection of electricity from new head coach Ben Johnson and a revamped offensive line, Chicago has all the tools for a fast start in 2025.
Week 1: vs Minnesota Vikings
Starting the year in primetime against a division rival coming off a 14-win season is no easy task. However, the game will also be Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy’s first taste of NFL action. After moving on from Sam Darnold in the offseason, Minnesota has handed the reins to the rookie.
With Ben Johnson at the helm, expect the Bears’ offense to come out strong and aggressive. Chicago used both of their first two draft picks on pass catchers, picking up tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Meanwhile, the Vikings were bottom five in pass defense last year and did little to upgrade their secondary.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is notorious for bringing a heavy pass rush, but the Bears’ newly upgraded offensive line should be up for the challenge. Additionally, defensive additions Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo will add pressure up front to pair with their formidable secondary. Look for Chicago to spoil McCarthy’s long-awaited debut.
PROJECTION: CHI 28 – MIN 17
Week 2: at Detroit Lions
The first rematch against Ben Johnson’s former team will be a highly anticipated game. Despite losing both coordinators to head coaching jobs, Detroit remains a Super Bowl contender. Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson leads a star-studded defense and Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are a two-headed monster in the backfield.
Chicago’s offense has the firepower to keep up with Amon-Ra St. Brown and company, but they’ll likely be overmatched on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears didn’t fare well against the run last season, and Detroit might be too much to handle.
PROJECTION: CHI 20 – DET 31
Week 3: vs Dallas Cowboys
Week 3 marks Matt Eberflus’ return to Soldier Field. He’ll bring with him a Dallas defense that ranked bottom five in points allowed, yards allowed, and run defense last year. Despite some offseason additions, it’s uncertain whether Dallas has done enough to improve on defense.
Caleb Williams’ deep arsenal of weapons matches up well with the Cowboys’ top-heavy secondary. With Trevon Diggs typically covering DJ Moore and Daron Bland on Burden III in the slot, look for Loveland and Rome Odunze to take advantage of frequent matchups with the Cowboys’ lesser defenders.
Now that Chicago finally has a complete offense, expect fireworks and a Bears victory in week 3.
PROJECTION: CHI 34 – DAL 16
Week 4: at Las Vegas
The Raiders ruined many Bears fans’ draft night dreams when they selected Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty. Adding Jeanty with Brock Bowers created a dynamic young offensive duo. However, the Raiders lack the depth to have a true powerhouse offense.
The Bears struggled to stop the run last season, but they made multiple offseason moves to help address the problem. The return of Andrew Billings as a stalwart up the middle will pair nicely with newcomer Jarrett and rookie Shemar Turner. If Gervon Dexter Sr. can make a leap, the group could be very effective.
On the defensive side, Las Vegas has even less to work with. After losing six starters in the offseason, it’ll be a challenge to even match their middling 2024 defensive numbers.
PROJECTION: CHI 27 – LV 13
WEEK 5 AND BEYOND
A 3-1 record entering week 5 featuring strong offensive performances would have fans ready to hand Ben Johnson a lifetime contract. However, the path to the playoffs only gets tougher for Chicago as they navigate the brutal NFC North with the league’s second-hardest schedule.
Pairing Caleb Williams with Johnson feels like a match made in heaven. If they can get the offense rolling, the Bears have a real shot at their first playoff appearance since 2020.
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