The NFL is back. The Buffalo Bills visit the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams tonight to kick off the 2022 season.
Josh Allen against Matthew Stafford to start us off. What a treat.
Let’s dive right in to previewing the Chicago Bears’ 2022 season, and how the NFL season might shape out as a whole.
Bears Preview
Schedule and Record
Much has already been made about the coaching staff, the roster, the hope for Justin Fields to make the leap in Year 2, and so much more. The schedule is a much lighter one than 2021, as the Bears face a significantly underwhelming list of opposing quarterbacks as a whole. Could that mean a better record than expected?
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Week 1: vs. 49ers — L
Week 2: @ Packers (SNF) — L
Week 3: vs. Texans — W
Week 4: @ Giants — W
Week 5: @ Vikings — L
Week 6: vs. Commanders (TNF) — L
Week 7: @ Patriots (MNF) — W
Week 8: @ Cowboys — W
Week 9: vs. Dolphins — L
Week 10: vs. Lions — W
Week 11: @ Falcons — L
Week 12: @ Jets — W
Week 13: vs. Packers — W
Week 14: BYE
Week 15: vs. Eagles — L
Week 16: vs. Bills — L
Week 17: @ Lions — L
Week 18: vs. Vikings — W
Final Record: 8-9
A few quirks about this schedule…
First, I think they will be better than I expected after watching them in preseason. While the Bears may have the QB edge in several matchups this season (49ers, Dolphins), other teams’ depth and overall roster strengths will hurt the Bears. After all, their work is just starting in building their own roster.
I do expect the Bears to be relevant, however. A late season losing-streak will ultimately bury them, but in a weak overall NFC, I think the Bears can make some noise.
The Bears will leave Year 1 of the Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus era feeling pretty good about the future.
Player Predictions
All of these predictions are for Bears players…
Offensive Player of the Year: Darnell Mooney
Honorable mentions: David Montgomery, Justin Fields
Defensive Player of the Year: Roquan Smith
Honorable mentions: Jaylon Johnson, Robert Quinn
Rookie of the Year: Jaquan Brisker
Honorable mention: Braxton Jones
Breakout Player: Cole Kmet
Honorable mentions: Teven Jenkins, Justin Jones
Best Offseason Non-Draft Addition: Justin Jones
Honorable mentions: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Arman Watts
The Justin Fields Question
When he was drafted, I was on record saying I didn’t believe Justin Fields was the answer. This offseason, after a dismal rookie season, I still felt that way, saying I believed Fields will disappoint the fanbase.
After watching him in preseason, though, I’ve seen significant improvement in areas that are usually hard to progress in. He showed more consistent mechanics and footwork, even when under pressure. He showed quicker decision making (even though he can still improve that speed). And he showed some excellent accuracy.
All good progress. Let’s see how he does when, as Ryan Poles likes to say, the lights come on.
I’m intrigued.
NFL Preview
NFC North
Packers*
Vikings*
Bears
Lions
NFC East
Eagles*
Commanders
Cowboys
Giants
NFC South
Buccaneers*
Panthers*
Saints
Falcons
NFC West
Rams*
49ers*
Cardinals
Seahawks
AFC North
Ravens*
Bengals*
Steelers
Browns
AFC East
Bills*
Dolphins
Patriots
Jets
AFC South
Colts*
Titans
Jaguars
Texans
AFC West
Chiefs*
Chargers*
Raiders*
Broncos
Super Bowl
Bills vs. Rams
Super Bowl Champion
Bills
NFL Player Predictions
MVP: Josh Allen
Honorable mentions: Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, Tom Brady
OPOY: Justin Jefferson
Honorable mentions: Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill
DPOY: Aaron Donald
Honorable mentions: T.J. Watt, Jeffery Simmons
ROY: Aidan Hutchinson
Honorable mention: Charles Cross
Comeback POY: Baker Mayfield
Honorable mention: Marcus Mariota
Breakout Player of the Year: DJ Moore (he finally has a QB!)
Honorable mention: Allen Robinson (same reasons as Moore)
Disappointment of the Year: Trey Lance
So how crazy would it be if the Bears win their first 2 games? will we all lose our minds?
Like your synopsis, I think the Bears will surprise all lot of teams, not with flashy stars, but solid players. Can’t wait to hear the naysayers eat their words. Should have a solid secondary to negate quick strikes, punish and intimidate opposing receivers.
So it is so early and tough to see what will happen later in the Season as injuries can derail the best predictions, however if you believe as I do, that Flus will have the Bears playing mistake free smart football , there is no reason to think they will blow games to “easy” opponents. That was a NAGY thing… unprepared stupidity. Bears wont play like that this year if the three preseason games are any indication. SO while i do think they drop games 1 and 2 , it is not crazy to think they could go on a… Read more »
If our offensive MVP ISN’T Justin Fields we’re in trouble
I would switch the prediction for Washington and Dallas. I also cant predict us beating Green Bay, while possible its not something I would predict. I do however see us beating Atlanta and pretty much having the same win/loss prediction. My guess is we will beat someone we are not supposed while losing to someone we shouldn’t. I think 8-9 is very reasonable though. Depending on Fields progression you can also have an adjustment rate of +/- 2, if he balls out our ceiling is 10 wins and if he isn’t progressing like you would like to see were somewhere… Read more »