What’s coming up next for the Bears after mini-bye week
The Chicago Bears just wrapped their mini bye week after an impressive 40-20 victory over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football.
With Chicago nabbing its first win of the season — and first in 347 days — along with the development of quarterback Justin Fields, there’s reason to be optimistic about the direction of the Bears moving forward. Most notably, over the next month.
Chicago has a favorable slate over the next five games, where they’ll look to add to their wins — and perhaps go on a mini winning streak. When looking at the Bears’ next five opponents, they have a combined record of 8-16 (.500). They’re currently slated to face just one team with a winning record.
Here’s a quick look at what’s on the docket for Chicago in the next few weeks:
Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings (1-4)
Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12 p.m. CT on FOX (Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.)
The Bears will face off against the division rival Vikings this Sunday at Soldier Field. And while this game looked difficult ahead of the season, Minnesota is riding a 1-3 record and will be without star receiver Justin Jefferson this Sunday against Chicago. Meanwhile, the Vikings defense is allowing 24.4 points per game (22nd in NFL). This is a winnable game for the Bears, and we’ll see if they can build off last week’s win.
Week 7: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
Sunday, Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. CT on FOX (Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.)
The Raiders are coming off a Monday night win over the Packers, but rest assured — this is most certainly a winnable game for the Bears. Las Vegas has had its issues with offense and coaching, which almost led to their demise against Green Bay. While Chicago’s offense will need to rise to the challenge against Maxx Crosby and co., the Bears defense has a chance to make a statement against a Raiders offense only averaging 15.8 points per game (29th).
Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Sunday, Oct. 29 at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif.)
Chicago returns to prime time against the Chargers on Sunday Night Football in late October, where the defense will be tested against Justin Herbert. It’ll feature a reunion as Khalil Mack faces his former team for the first time. Matt Eberflus and Brandon Staley are two coaches on the hot seat, and a win would take the pressure off just a little. But this game will be a huge test for the Bears’ offense and defense with the national spotlight on them. Can they rise to the challenge?
Week 9: at New Orleans Saints (3-2)
Sunday, Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. CT on FOX (Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, La.)
Right now, New Orleans is the only team with a winning record that Chicago will face over the next month. And it’s never easy to face the Saints in the Superdome, especially this season with this defense that can bring pressure, generate takeaways and is only allowing 15.2 points per game. It’ll be a big test for this Bears offensive line to keep Justin Fields upright and give them a chance to pull out a road win.
Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers (0-5)
Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7:15 p.m. CT on Prime Video (Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill.)
Following the Bears’ prime-time win against the Commanders, the Panthers are the only winless team left in the NFL. Which is a good thing for Chicago both from a matchup and NFL draft standpoint. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young has had his growing pains and Carolina is struggling to score points (18.2 ppg) and stop opposing teams from scoring (28.8 ppg). Could we be in for a DJ Moore revenge game? Moore recently went off for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Can he somehow top that and ensure the Bears’ first-round selection (from Carolina) remains at No. 1?
