With the Chicago Bears being one of the hottest teams this offseason, the outlook of their 2024 NFL season can come across as a bit skewed. Many new aspects of this team are all coming this season, making for an uncertain result.
However, while some things are uncertain, these bold predictions are certain to come true.
5 Bold Bears Predictions for the 2024 Regular Season
Caleb Williams Will Be the 1st Bears Quarterback To Throw for Over 4,000 Yards
In the Bears’ historic 104 years, they’ve never had a quarterback throw for over 4,000 yards. Not once. However, in the same vein, Caleb Williams was their first-ever No. 1 overall quarterback in history.
While only five quarterbacks in history have ever reached this milestone in Year 1, no other rookie quarterback has entered the situation Williams is entering in his first year.
Granted, the level of competition was different, but Williams threw for 4,537 yards in his 2022 season with USC, throwing to a supporting cast that doesn’t come near the weapons he has in Chicago.
While it would be a remarkable feat for Williams to reach, it’s certainly possible with a receiver trio like the one he has in his rookie season.
Roschon Johnson Will Beat Out Khalil Herbert for RB2
Once the Bears added D’Andre Swift in free agency, the days of seeing Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson split reps appear to be over.
However, on the Bears’ depth chart, neither Herbert nor Johnson have been given the true RB2 designation. Herbert saw a majority of snaps behind Swift in the preseason, but with Johnson nursing an injury, seeing preseason action wasn’t likely.
When dicing up how each running back fits the offense, Swift is more of an elusive pass-catcher with speed to make him a threat once he gets to the second level. Herbert is pretty good at everything besides pass blocking but not exceptional at any one thing. Johnson is more of the power back who can pass block and can run through defenders.
If Chicago wanted to perfect their running back room, Swift would be the main back, Johnson the third-down back, and Herbert the true backup to replace either guy if they need it.
The Bears Will Have 3 Different 1,000-Yard Receivers
As one of the bolder predictions for Chicago this season, there’s more logic behind it than what meets the eye.
In NFL history, there have only been five instances of three receivers on the same team reaching 1,000 yards in a season. While the last instance occurred with the 2008 Arizona Cardinals (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston), the Bears have a receiving core that can make it happen.
Not only do DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze all have the ability to reach 1,000 yards based on their own talent, but their quarterback makes it even more possible.
Both Moore and Allen come off 1,000-yard seasons last year, as both vets remain two of the top receivers in the league. As a rookie this year, Odunze comes off two 1,000-yard seasons in college, making him capable of the feat as well.
The Bears’ Defense Will Lead the NFL in Turnovers
Last year, Chicago wasn’t the strongest defensive unit to start the season. However, the switch got flipped once they acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders.
In the eight weeks before Sweat sported the navy blue and orange, Chicago had nine turnovers by the defense. Then, in the nine weeks with Sweat on their side, the Bears totaled 19 turnovers, including three games with four turnovers each.
So, even with their slow start, Chicago ended the year ranked fifth in the league in turnovers (28). The Baltimore Ravens ranked first (31), meaning the Bears were just four turnovers away from leading the league.
With a full offseason for Chicago to build off last season’s strong ending, the Bears could certainly lead the league in turnovers this year.
Williams Will Lead the Bears to the Playoffs in His Rookie Season
Coming into the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick, expectations for Williams are high. And while the expectations are high, they’re there for a reason.
Williams was considered one of the top quarterback prospects since Andrew Luck, and it’s because of the elite talent he possesses. Throwing for over 10,000 yards and 93 touchdowns in his 37 college appearances, Williams is expected to hit the ground running in his rookie season.
Not only is Williams’ talent pairing with a trio of receivers that rank near the top of the league, but his rookie season strength of schedule comes in near the bottom of the league. Chicago starts their season against lower-level competition, giving the Bears a chance to get situated before divisional games strike.
The Bears don’t meet with another NFC North team until Week 11 when they face the Green Bay Packers. In those next seven games, the Bears will face off against an NFC North opponent five times. So, while it’s a grueling end to the season, Chicago should be battle-tested before that point, building confidence as a team before the NFC North gauntlet begins.
With a season prediction of 12-5, this record will get them to the playoffs, as Williams will make his NFL impact immediately.