Bears' Schedule Announcement Reveals Unexpected Break from NFC Play
After the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Chicago Bears will have faced only two NFC teams, a notably sparse early schedule of intra-conference games as they head into the pre-Halloween weekend. This peculiar arrangement is just one of several intriguing aspects of the newly released Bears schedule. Notably, the schedule includes unusual sequences like back-to-back-to-back home games, followed by consecutive road games, with no divisional matchups until Week 11.
The schedule does have its highlights, such as a well-timed bye week following a game in London. However, the early bye week�after just six games�might not be as advantageous. Overall, the Bears' schedule starts off relatively easy, faces potential challenges mid-season, and ends with daunting hurdles. How the team navigates these could determine their playoff fate and prove their worthiness for the postseason.
Bears Schedule Overview
| Week | Opponent ||------|-----------------------------------|| 1 | TEN || 2 | AT HOU � Sunday Night Football || 3 | AT IND || 4 | LAR || 5 | CAR || 6 | JAX � London || 7 | BYE || 8 | AT WAS || 9 | AT ARI || 10 | NE || 11 | GB || 12 | MIN || 13 | AT DET � Thanksgiving || 14 | AT SF || 15 | AT MIN � Monday Night Football || 16 | DET || 17 | SEA � Thursday Night Football || 18 | AT GB |
The season kicks off with a three-game stretch against AFC South teams�starting at home against the Tennessee Titans. This provides an excellent platform for Caleb Williams and the revamped Bears to set a strong early season tone in a supportive environment. The following games against Houston and Indianapolis offer Williams a chance to showcase his mettle, particularly during the "EBERFLUS REVENGE TOUR" against the Colts.
As the schedule progresses, the Bears finally encounter NFC teams in Weeks 4 and 5, against the Rams and Panthers, respectively. These games present a vital opportunity for early victories which could be crucial for playoff tiebreaking scenarios later on.
In the second quarter of the season, the Bears face Jacksonville in London, marking an unusual "home game" abroad. The subsequent early bye week is less ideal, potentially leading to later season fatigue�a time when the Bears must remain vigorous to tackle the final demanding stretch of their schedule.
The third quarter of the season could be pivotal with three consecutive home games, offering a prime opportunity to solidify their playoff ambitions. The trio of games against the Patriots, Packers, and Vikings at Soldier Field could be game-changing.
The final quarter poses significant challenges with several tough road games and pivotal home matches against formidable opponents. This rigorous stretch could be a potential "deathtrap," culminating in a crucial finale against Green Bay, laden with playoff implications.
Given the Bears' strength of schedule�ranked 29th in the league according to NFL.com�this season presents a test of resilience and strategy. The team's performance in these critical matchups will not only decide their playoff eligibility but also demonstrate their true competitive mettle.
| POLL | ||
16 MAI | 71 ANSWERS Bears' Schedule Announcement Reveals Unexpected Break from NFC Play "Do you think the Bears' early bye week will affect their playoff chances?" | ||
| Yes | 7 | 9.9 % |
| No | 64 | 90.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
