{"id":33547,"date":"2025-05-08T11:17:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T11:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/33547\/"},"modified":"2025-05-08T11:17:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T11:17:13","slug":"a-wish-list-for-high-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/33547\/","title":{"rendered":"A wish list for high drama"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear NFL schedule makers<\/a>,<\/p>\n

We know at this point you\u2019re pretty deep into piecing together the 272-game roadmap for the 2025 regular season. But that shouldn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t offer suggestions ahead of Wednesday\u2019s official schedule release. As it applies to the Chicago Bears specifically, we see a golden opportunity to make the schedule really sing, to sequence it in a way that creates maximum excitement, intrigue and theater.<\/p>\n

The Bears have done a lot this offseason \u2014 from their coaching search<\/a> to free agency<\/a> and the draft<\/a> \u2014 to make improvements that seemingly position them as playoff contenders this season. But their list of opponents also looks pretty formidable.<\/p>\n

Ten of their 17 games will come against teams that made the playoffs last season. And for a team that matched a franchise record for an in-season losing streak with 10 consecutive defeats last year, the climb back toward prominence is steep and treacherous.<\/p>\n

All of this sets up for an intriguing season in Chicago. It\u2019s our goal here to make the journey more compelling. So with that in mind, we\u2019re offering, free of charge, this suggested itinerary.<\/p>\n

As we\u2019ve done in the past<\/a>, we\u2019re putting this out there not as a prediction but as a wish list.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n

Week 1: Bears at Eagles in NFL Kickoff (Thursday, Sept. 4)
\n\"EaglesEagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio lifts a newspaper that says, \u201cChamps,\u201d with defensive tackle Jalen Carter after winning the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo\/Doug Benc)<\/p>\n

We already know the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will be in this slot, hosting the NFL Kickoff festivities at Lincoln Financial Field. So which of their home opponents has the biggest opening-night appeal? The Washington Commanders in a rematch of January\u2019s NFC championship game? Perhaps. The Detroit Lions or Los Angeles Rams? Maybe.<\/p>\n

But our suggestion is to give the Bears a measuring-stick game right away. Give Ben Johnson a chance to match wits against Vic Fangio<\/a>. Give the perennial engineers of the offseason hype train a look at the Lombardi Trophy winners.<\/p>\n

Week 2: Packers at Bears (Sept. 14)
\n\"PackersPackers coach Matt LaFleur looks on during rookie minicamp May 3, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo\/Jeffrey Phelps)<\/p>\n

At his introductory news conference<\/a> in January, Johnson bit the pin off the grenade and hurled this grinning jibe northward: \u201cTo be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.\u201d That was Johnson\u2019s obligatory shot at the rival Green Bay Packers, against whom he had a 5-1 record during three seasons as the Lions offensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

LaFleur \u2014 who\u2019s 11-1 against the Bears \u2014 has punched back multiple times since, including on \u201cThe Pat McAfee Show\u201d last month. In discussing the strength of the NFC North, LaFleur said: \u201cChicago has done a nice job of adding to their roster. And you get a good football coach \u2014 as he said himself \u2014 in Ben Johnson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyeball emoji. We see where this is headed \u2014 and we love it. Why wait any longer than necessary to let these teams and their coaches spar? <\/p>\n

Week 3: Giants at Bears (Sept. 21)
\n\"GiantsGiants first-round draft picks Abdul Carter, left, and Jaxson Dart hold up jerseys at a news conference April 25, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo\/Stefan Jeremiah)<\/p>\n

The \u201cHard Knocks\u201d Bowl? Get the HBO crew back to Chicago and let\u2019s dig deeper into the progress of these two franchises. The New York Giants were on the offseason version of \u201cHard Knocks\u201d in the summer of 2024. The Bears followed them into the spotlight<\/a> for training camp a few weeks later. The teams then combined to lose 26 games last season.<\/p>\n

Week 4: Bears at Bengals\u00a0 (Sept. 28)
\n\"BearsBears quarterback Caleb Williams, right, greets Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow after a preseason game at Soldier Field on Aug. 17, 2024. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

The Bears\u2019 last regular-season visit to Cincinnati brought us Mitch Trubisky as a rookie versus Andy Dalton. The Bears rolled that afternoon to a 33-7 win<\/a> that seemed to forecast a bright future for Trubisky. This time it should be Caleb Williams versus Joe Burrow, a battle of No. 1 picks at different stages of their journeys<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Week 5: Lions at Bears (Oct. 5)
\n\"LionsLions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, left, works alongside coach Dan Campbell during a game against the Bears on Nov. 28, 2024, in Detroit. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Sharpie this into the 3:25 p.m. spotlight slot on Fox. Bring in Tom Brady and his crew for the broadcast. With Johnson and Dan Campbell at the controls, give the punters the day off. Then let\u2019s see what transpires. Hopefully there\u2019s a blast of trickery from Johnson<\/a> for his former team. At the very least, it would provide the Bears a huge NFC North test at the start of October.<\/p>\n

Week 6: Saints at Bears (Oct. 12)
\n\"BearsBears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen talks to media April 17, 2025, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. (Audrey Richardson\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

On paper, this is possibly the least intriguing game on the Bears schedule, which is why we\u2019re sandwiching it between two intense division games. Still, it\u2019s a reunion for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen<\/a>, who has spent 15 seasons coaching in New Orleans. (He was dismissed as Saints head coach in November.) This matchup also will give the Bears a look at rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., whom the Saints picked at No. 9, one slot before the Bears grabbed tight end Colston Loveland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Week 7: Bears at Vikings (Oct. 19)
\n\"VikingsVikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson breaks away from Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson during overtime Nov. 24, 2024, at Soldier Field. (AP Photo\/Kamil Krzaczynski)<\/p>\n

One more division test before the bye. And with cornerback Jaylon Johnson volunteering to travel with opponents\u2019 No. 1 receivers<\/a>, clip him to the hip of superstar Justin Jefferson and test his mettle. In two meetings with the Bears last season, Jefferson totaled nine catches for 100 yards. The Bears don\u2019t usually make their trip to the Twin Cities until after Thanksgiving. This is a nudge toward an earlier visit.<\/p>\n

Week 8: Open date<\/p>\n

The midseason reboot occurs the weekend before Halloween. It offers a chance for the Bears to reset before a scary five-game stretch in November.<\/p>\n

Week 9: Bears at Commanders on \u2018Sunday Night Football\u2019 (Nov. 2)
\n\"BearsBears quarterback Caleb Williams, right, congratulates Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels on an 18-15 win at Northwest Stadium on Oct. 27, 2024, in Landover, Md. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Caleb Williams versus Jayden Daniels<\/a>, Part II. Tyrique Stevenson\u2019s return<\/a> to Northwest Stadium. Ben Johnson\u2019s revenge game<\/a> against Dan Quinn. Yep, this is made for the bright lights and big stage. Most of Chicago will be waiting all day for Sunday night.<\/p>\n

Week 10: Steelers at Bears (Nov. 9)
\n\"PackersPackers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates as he leaves the field after a victory over the Bears on Dec. 4, 2022, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

It seems only fair that the Bears get one last crack at Aaron Rodgers, right? At Soldier Field no less. So hopefully the 41-year-old quarterback emerges from the offseason darkness<\/a> soon, signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers and stops through Chicago for a visit with the Bears fans he both torments<\/a> and admires.<\/p>\n

Week 11: Bears at Raiders on \u2018Monday Night Football\u2019 (Nov. 17)
\n\"RaidersRaiders running back Ashton Jeanty is introduced during a news conference April 25, 2025, in Henderson, Nev. (Heidi Fang\/Las Vegas Review-Journal)<\/p>\n

First off, making this a Monday night affair gives traveling Bears fans the opportunity to really do Vegas right on the weekend leading up to the game. After kickoff, the Bears defense will get an up-close look at show-stopping running back Ashton Jeanty, one of the league\u2019s most talented and intriguing rookies and a prospect the Bears were very interested in<\/a> during last month\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

Week 12: Bears at Ravens (Nov. 23)
\n\"RavensRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson listens to offensive coordinator Todd Monken during practice Oct 17, 2024, in Owings Mills, Md. (Karl Merton Ferron\/The Baltimore Sun)<\/p>\n

Lamar Jackson was sidelined with an illness when the Baltimore Ravens visited Soldier Field four years ago, so this sets up to be his first career game against the Bears. Jackson is the engine of an explosive offense that also features bruising running back Derrick Henry, dynamic wide receiver Zay Flowers and accomplished tight end Mark Andrews. The play caller for that attack: Todd Monken, one of 17 candidates who interviewed<\/a> for the Bears head coaching job this winter.<\/p>\n

Week 13: Vikings at Bears on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 27)
\n\"AA Bears fan adjusts a fellow fan\u2019s pumpkin pie hat before a Thanksgiving game against the Lions at Ford Field on Nov. 25, 2021, in Detroit. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

A selfish plea from longtime Bears reporters who would rather not eat another Thanksgiving dinner<\/a> at 11 a.m. in the Ford Field press box. Let us carve the turkey at home with our families in the afternoon. Then we\u2019ll be happy to head off to work in the evening for a holiday NFC North clash under the Soldier Field lights. Who says no? (We\u2019d also accept this being pushed back 19 hours into Amazon\u2019s Black Friday slot.)<\/p>\n

Week 14: Cowboys at Bears (Dec. 7)
\n\"CowboysCowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus responds to questions during a news conference at the team\u2019s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, on Feb. 18, 2025. (AP Photo\/Tony Gutierrez)<\/p>\n

Matt Eberflus returns to Chicago \u2014 as the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. And he does so one year and eight days after his awkward exit from Halas Hall<\/a>. Will Flus have the answers to stymie Williams? Or will Johnson be cooking up some gadgetry to confuse Eberflus\u2019 defense?<\/p>\n

Week 15: Bears at Packers (Dec. 14)
\n\"BearsBears quarterback Caleb Williams walks off the field after defeating the Packers 24-22 on Jan. 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (Armando L. Sanchez\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Williams is 1-0 at Lambeau Field and got there with a thrilling 47-yard drive to set up Cairo Santos\u2019 walk-off field goal<\/a> in Week 18 in January. That victory was a way-too-little, way-too-late triumph for the 2024 Bears. But for Williams and the 2025 Bears, it was a confidence builder. A losing-streak killer. A chance to change directions \u2014 both in the rivalry with the Packers and on a much larger scale. Hopefully this season\u2019s visit to Green Bay will have much more at stake.<\/p>\n

Week 16: Bears at 49ers (Dec. 21)
\n\"BearsBears running back D\u2019Andre Swift is tackled by 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. on Dec. 8, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

The Bears\u2019 December road loss to the San Francisco 49ers last season was among their most lackluster and embarrassing performances within a very lackluster and embarrassing season. The Bears were outgained 319-4 in the first half<\/a> and fell behind 24-0. This year\u2019s trip to Santa Clara, Calif., has to be more competitive.<\/p>\n

Week 17: Browns at Bears (Saturday, Dec. 27)
\n\"AA graphic is shown after the Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in Round 5 on Day 3 of the NFL draft April 26, 2025, in Green Bay. (Gregory Payan\/AP Content Services for NFL)<\/p>\n

No team in the league has a more bizarre quarterback situation than the Cleveland Browns, who have prepared for life without Deshaun Watson by acquiring four new quarterbacks over the past eight weeks.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s 40-year-old Joe Flacco, signed to a one-year, $4 million deal. That\u2019s former Steelers castoff Kenny Pickett, acquired via trade from the Eagles. That\u2019s third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel<\/a>. And, yes, that\u2019s Shedeur Sanders, who was all the talk of last month\u2019s draft<\/a> after he slid into Round 5 and now must find his way through a cluttered Cleveland quarterback conundrum.<\/p>\n

Who gets the start against the Bears in this Saturday affair after Christmas? Spin the wheel.<\/p>\n

Week 18: Bears at Lions (Jan. 4)
\n\"BearsBears offensive linemen stand on the field after losing 23-20 to the Lions on Nov. 28, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit. (John J. Kim\/Chicago Tribune)<\/p>\n

Wait \u2026 timeout! We\u2019re waiting until after New Year\u2019s Day to send Ben Johnson back to Detroit? Timeout! The Bears\u2019 regular-season finale is coming against the team favored to repeat as NFC North champion? Timeout! Seriously. Timeout. Timeout. Timeout.<\/p>\n

Kidding aside, there should be few objections about this closing game \u2014 and maybe even a possibility it generates prime-time appeal with enough on the line.<\/p>\n

And for the record, all those timeouts we just took were simply for muscle memory, subtle reminders to the Bears<\/a> before their return to Ford Field.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dear NFL schedule makers, We know at this point you\u2019re pretty deep into piecing together the 272-game roadmap…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33548,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2070],"tags":[1586,374,1035,1036,692,391,2493,6214,8897,7,734,895,3031,6,13150],"class_list":{"0":"post-33547","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-chicago-bears","8":"tag-aaron-rodgers","9":"tag-bears","10":"tag-ben-johnson","11":"tag-caleb-williams","12":"tag-chicago","13":"tag-chicago-bears","14":"tag-chicagobears","15":"tag-dan-campbell","16":"tag-dennis-allen","17":"tag-football","18":"tag-jayden-daniels","19":"tag-lamar-jackson","20":"tag-matt-lafleur","21":"tag-nfl","22":"tag-nfl-schedule-release"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/114471937236283864","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33547\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33548"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}