CHICAGO BEARS (7-10)
EXPECTATIONS: The Bears have been drawing all sorts of attention after a high-profile offseason. Now, it’s time to see the results. The Bears handed the QB job to Caleb Williams in the offseason, drafting the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and USC star with the No. 1 overall pick. If he delivers the way they hope, he could solidify a position that has historically haunted the founding NFL franchise. But bringing in Williams wasn’t the only big move. The Bears made a blockbuster trade for a playmaking receiver for the second year in a row, acquiring six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers after sending the No. 1 pick in 2023 to Carolina for DJ Moore. Chicago got the Panthers’ 2024 first-rounder in that deal for Moore and used it to take Williams. The Bears are also counting on a defense led by edge rusher Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson to take another step forward after showing improvement in the second half. The Bears are 10-24 in two years under general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. Expectations clearly are higher after three straight losing seasons. Now, it’s up to them to deliver.
NEW FACES: Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, defensive coordinator Eric Washington, Williams, Allen, WR Rome Odunze, RB D’Andre Swift, TE Gerald Everett , S Jonathan Owens, S Kevin Byard, OL Ryan Bates, P Tory Taylor.
KEY LOSSES: Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, QB Justin Fields, WR Darnell Mooney, RB D’Onta Foreman, OL Cody Whitehair, S Eddie Jackson, P Trenton Gill.
STRENGTHS: Williams is in an unusual spot for a rookie quarterback in that he has no shortage of playmakers. The Bears appear to be loaded at wide receiver, with two established playmakers in Allen and Moore, not to mention another prized rookie after drafting Odunze with the ninth pick. They also have two pass-catching tight ends in the returning Cole Kmet and Everett.
WEAKNESSES: Sweat gave the Bears a huge boost following a midseason trade from Washington and made his first Pro Bowl. He set a career high with 12 1/2 sacks and became the first player to lead two teams in sacks in the same season, with 6 1/2 in eight games for Washington and six in nine games for the Bears. The question is whether Chicago can generate enough pressure on the opposite end. The Bears finished 31st in sacks with 30 despite the arrival of Sweat.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: All eyes are on Williams. And so far, his performance is promising. Williams has shown glimpses of his arm strength and a tantalizing ability to make big throws when he’s scrambling, rather than tuck and run. The moves the Bears made — topped by the arrival of Williams — not to mention their quest to build a new stadium created all sorts of storylines and made them a natural for HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Moore led the Bears with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns last season. And they rewarded him with a four-year, $110 million extension that guarantees $82.6 million and keeps him under contract through 2029.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 35-1. Over/under wins: 8 1/2.
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