There are roughly four months — hopefully- until the start of the 2020 NFL season. With the release of the Chicago Bears’ 2020 schedule, it’s natural to do a deep-dive into the opponents and ultimately how the schedule shakes out.
Following a disappointing 2019 season, confidence isn’t exactly high surrounding the Bears heading into 2020. But aside from challenges against teams like the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago’s schedule is pretty favorable.
Still, that’s no guarantee for a team that had one of the worst offenses a season ago and has plenty to prove if they hope to be in the playoff conversation come December.
Here’s how the Bears Wire staff sees Bears’ 2020 season shaking out.
Alyssa Barbieri (@alyssabarbieri) | 10-6 record
After everything went right for the Bears in 2018, everything went about as bad as it could the following season in 2019, which ended with a 8-8 record. Chicago had one of the worst offenses in the NFL, but they also had one of the best defenses.
Obviously, the success of this 2020 Bears team hinges on the success of the quarterback — whichever guy winds up lining up under center, Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles. But when looking at this Bears team from a season ago, you can’t say they didn’t upgrade at several positions. Sure, they lost some key depth pieces on defense and a veteran receiver in Taylor Gabriel. But Chicago upgraded at quarterback and tight end, as well as pass rusher, safety and you could argue cornerback with rookie Jaylon Johnson.
While it’s difficult to judge opponents early in the offseason, the Bears’ schedule appears favorable. If they can stay relatively healthy, get adequate play from their offense and let their dominant defense lead the way, there’s no doubt they’ll be competing for a playoff spot — and possibly an NFC North title — late in the season.
Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) | 10-6 record
Are the Bears closer to their 12-4 record in 2018, or their 8-8 record in 2019? I believe they’re right in the middle at 10-6. Their defense could be even better than their 2018 campaign with the additions of OLB Robert Quinn and S Tashuan Gipson. If rookie CB Jaylon Johnson is the real deal, their secondary will see a significant boost in production.
The unit’s overall athleticism will benefit them against aging immobile quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers. Even with a mediocre offense led by Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles, they can still grind their way to tough victories. This team will be in contention for a playoff spot right up until the end of the season.
Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) | 8-8 record
At worst, I have the Bears going 8-8. Assuming Trubisky can rebound and look more like the 2018 version, they may be able to reach 10 wins. The defense, on paper, is arguably better than it was in 2018 and will figure to be the backbone again in 2020.
I like what the Bears have done to upgrade the tight end position with Cole Kmet potentially being the steal of the draft. Ted Ginn Jr. was a solid, veteran signing and should be a threat as a number three option for the Bears offense. Look for the offensive line to bounce back as well after a down year.
Check out game-by-game score predictions from around the NFL Wires network:
Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC //// Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea
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