In 2024, the Chicago Bears didn\u2019t play a divisional game until Week 10.<\/p>\n
This year, the schedule makers immediately brought the heat, as they\u2019ll face two NFC North rivals to start the season. With an injection of electricity from new head coach Ben Johnson<\/a> and a revamped offensive line<\/a>, Chicago has all the tools for a fast start in 2025.<\/p>\n Week 1: vs Minnesota Vikings<\/p>\n 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\u2019s first taste of NFL action. After moving on from Sam Darnold in the offseason, Minnesota has handed the reins to the rookie.<\/p>\n With Ben Johnson at the helm, expect the Bears\u2019 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.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the Vikings were bottom five in pass defense<\/a> last year and did little to upgrade their secondary.<\/p>\n Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is notorious for bringing a heavy pass rush, but the Bears\u2019 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\u2019s long-awaited debut.<\/p>\n PROJECTION: CHI 28 \u2013 MIN 17<\/p>\n Week 2: at Detroit Lions<\/p>\n The first rematch against Ben Johnson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Chicago\u2019s offense has the firepower to keep up with Amon-Ra St. Brown and company, but they\u2019ll likely be overmatched on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears didn\u2019t fare well against the run last season, and Detroit might be too much to handle.<\/p>\n PROJECTION: CHI 20 \u2013 DET 31<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Week 3: vs Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n Week 3 marks Matt Eberflus\u2019 return to Soldier Field. He\u2019ll bring with him a Dallas defense that ranked bottom five in points allowed, yards allowed, and run defense<\/a> last year. Despite some offseason additions, it\u2019s uncertain whether Dallas has done enough to improve on defense.<\/p>\n Caleb Williams\u2019 deep arsenal of weapons matches up well with the Cowboys\u2019 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\u2019 lesser defenders.<\/p>\n