The 2023 NFL season promises to be a watershed year for the Chicago Bears. The team has undergone significant transformations both on and off the field, spearheaded by a strengthened team and a focused strategic direction. Justin Fields, the team’s promising quarterback, will be expected to lead the Bears against a lineup of formidable opponents. As one of the original teams of the NFL, the Chicago Bears have a storied history to live up to, and the upcoming schedule offers a mixture of challenges and opportunities.
Chicago Bears Schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 10, 2023 | vs Green Bay Packers | 4:25 pm | FOX | Soldier Field |
| 2 | Sep 17, 2023 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1:00 pm | FOX | Raymond James Stadium |
| 3 | Sep 24, 2023 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:25 pm | FOX | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium |
| 4 | Oct 1, 2023 | vs Denver Broncos | 1:00 pm | Soldier Field | |
| 5 | Oct 5, 2023 | at Washington Commanders | 8:15 pm | AMZN | FedEx Field |
| 6 | Oct 15, 2023 | vs Minnesota Vikings | 1:00 pm | FOX | Soldier Field |
| 7 | Oct 22, 2023 | vs Las Vegas Raiders | 1:00 pm | FOX | Soldier Field |
| 8 | Oct 29, 2023 | at Los Angeles Chargers | 8:20 pm | NBC | SoFi Stadium |
| 9 | Nov 5, 2023 | at New Orleans Saints | 1:00 pm | Caesars Superdome | |
| 10 | Nov 9, 2023 | vs Carolina Panthers | 8:15 pm | AMZN | Soldier Field |
| 11 | Nov 19, 2023 | at Detroit Lions | 1:00 pm | FOX | Ford Field |
| 12 | Nov 27, 2023 | at Minnesota Vikings | 8:15 pm | ESPN | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| 13 | BYE | — | — | — | — |
| 14 | Dec 10, 2023 | vs Detroit Lions | 1:00 pm | FOX | Soldier Field |
| 15 | Dec 17, 2023 | at Cleveland Browns | TBA | Cleveland Browns Stadium | |
| 16 | Dec 24, 2023 | vs Arizona Cardinals | 4:25 pm | FOX | Soldier Field |
| 17 | Dec 31, 2023 | vs Atlanta Falcons | 1:00 pm | Soldier Field | |
| 18 | Jan 7, 2024 | at Green Bay Packers | TBA | Lambeau Field |
Strength of Schedule
The strength of schedule is an important metric when analyzing the Chicago Bears’ potential performance. They have been handed a difficult task this year with the 12th toughest schedule, based on the winning percentage of their 2023 opponents from the previous season. Their rivals possess a combined win ratio of 0.527, making it a challenging year for the Bears.
The Bears face off against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 3, which will be a stern test of their potential. They will also take on formidable opponents like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Minnesota Vikings. Each of these matches will test the mettle of the team and could be turning points for the season.
Prime Time Games
The Bears will have their mettle tested in prime time this season. They are scheduled to appear in prime time slots three times this season:
Bears vs. Commanders (Week 5)
The Chicago Bears will take on the Washington Commanders in their first prime-time game of the season on Thursday Night Football. The Commanders, although having had ups and downs, present an enigmatic offense that can put any defense under pressure. To secure a victory, the Bears will need to deploy their talented squad effectively in all aspects of the game. This high-profile game could establish an important precedent for the rest of the Bears’ season and provide an early assessment of their potential for success.
Bears vs. Panthers (Week 10)
Week 10 sees the Chicago Bears clash with the Carolina Panthers in another intense Thursday Night Football game. The Panthers, while they’ve shown some inconsistency, possess an unpredictable offensive game that can be a challenge for even the most robust defense. For the Bears to come out on top, they’ll need to effectively utilize their skilled roster on both sides of the ball. This mid-season game could be pivotal in determining the direction the Bears’ season takes and offer a critical gauge of their aspirations for the season.
Bears vs. Vikings (Week 12)
In Week 12, the Chicago Bears face off against their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, on Monday Night Football. The Vikings, despite their unpredictable performance, command an offensive strategy that can challenge any defense. For the Bears to emerge victorious, they must fully leverage their dynamic playmakers across the field. This match, right after their bye week, could set the momentum for the rest of the Bears’ season and provide an important measure of their potential to compete at the highest level.
Predicted Season Outcome
Based on the team’s preparation and the level of competition, we predict an 8-9 record for the Bears this season. The NFC North will be a hotly contested division, and we believe the Bears can come in third place after the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears’ 2023 season will be one of evolution and growth. With a promising quarterback in Justin Fields and a strategic plan in place, the Bears can look forward to an exciting season. Despite the challenges that lie ahead in the schedule, the team can seize opportunities for victory and grow as a unit. This season will set the tone for the Bears’ future direction and will be a critical measuring stick for the team’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
FAQS
The Bears’ 2023 regular season kicks off on September 10, 2023, at home against the Green Bay Packers. The season wraps up with a road game against the Packers at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024.
In Week 3, the Chicago Bears will be playing against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2023.
The Bears have three prime-time games scheduled for the 2023 season. These games are against the Washington Commanders in Week 5, the Carolina Panthers in Week 10, and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.
The Chicago Bears have their bye in Week 13 of the 2023 season.
Following their Week 13 bye, the Bears will face the Detroit Lions at home in Soldier Field on December 10, 2023.