Tag: Bears schedule

Ranking Bears’ best prime-time games in 2020

The Bears begin their prime-time slate in Week 5, where they’ll play 4 prime-time games in 8 weeks.

The Chicago Bears will be looking to rebound following a disappointing 2019 season that featured significant regression just one year removed from a 12-4 season.

It’s safe to say not many are confident in the Bears heading into 2020, but surprisingly the NFL believes the Bears are still must-see television, as they’ve handed them four prime-time games this year.

Unlike last season when the Bears didn’t play a noon game until Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers — they had two prime time games, two games at 3:25 p.m. CT and an international game in London — Chicago will start the 2020 season with four straight noon games.

The Bears begin their prime-time slate in Week 5, where they’ll play four prime-time games in eight weeks. Those matchups include home games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings, as well as road games against the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers.

Let’s rank the Bears’ best prime-time games of 2020.

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2020 Bears schedule: First quarter breakdown

Let’s take a look at the Bears’ first four games of the 2020 season, including way-too-early game predictions.

The Chicago Bears unveiled their 2020 schedule last week, where we learned exactly when they’ll face their 2020 opponents. While the beginning of the season looks favorable, Chicago faces a difficult stretch in the final nine games.

When looking at the first quarter of the Bears’ 2020 schedule, it’s reasonable to assume they could start the season 4-0 with home games against the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts, as well as away games against the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons.

Let’s take a look at the Bears’ first four games of the 2020 season, including way-too-early game predictions.

Week 1 | Bears at Lions

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears haven’t won in Week 1 since 2013, but they have a good chance of reversing their fortunes against the Lions in 2020. Since Matt Nagy arrived in 2018, the Bears have gone 4-0 against their NFC North rivals, including back-to-back Thanksgiving victories.

Chicago will open the season at Detroit, where the Lions have proven to put up more of a fight. In the last two years, the Bears and Lions entered the fourth quarter tied, which should make for an exciting finish like Eddie Jackson’s pick six or Mitchell Trubisky to David Montgomery’s game-winning touchdown.

Prediction: Bears 24-17

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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Bears 2020 schedule: Staff picks and predictions

Here’s how the Bears Wire staff sees Bears’ 2020 season shaking out.

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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Every prime time NFL game featuring former Georgia football players

After the release of the 2020 NFL schedule, here’s a look at every prime-time game that former Georgia football players will appear in.

On Thursday, the NFL released its 2020 schedule, providing more optimism that a football season will take place come September.

With Georgia having added seven new players into the league via the NFL Draft, there’s going to be a number of UGA fans hoping for a chance to watch some former Dawgs play on prime-time television.

The Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs, Packers, 49ers, Rams and Buccaneers will be featured most in prime time during the 2020 NFL season with five games apiece.

Georgia players on those teams:

Cowboys, Packers and Bucs do not have any Bulldogs.

Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee.

Here is a list of every nationally televised NFL game featuring Georgia Bulldogs.

Some of these game are subject to a time change and some of the players signed as undrafted free agents. As of right now, these are the teams they are on.

For a full list of Georgia players and their NFL teams, click here.

Thursday Night Football:

  • Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: Fox, NFL Network
  • Live stream: Amazon Prime

Thursday Sept. 17: Browns at Bengals

Georgia players on Browns: RB Nick Chubb, RB Brian Herrien

Georgia players on Bengals: DT Geno Atkins, WR AJ Green, DT Tyler Clark, DB Shawn Williams

Thursday Sept. 24: Dolphins at Jaguars

Georgia players on Dolphins: OG Solomon Kindley

Georgia players on Jags: WR Chris Conley, WR Terry Godwin, DT Abry Jones, S J.R. Reed

Thursday Oct. 1: Broncos at Jets

Georgia players on Broncos: N/A

Georgia players on Jets: WR Lawrence Cager, OLB Jordan Jenkins

Thursday Oct. 8: Buccaneers at Bears

Georgia players on Bucs: N/A

Georgia players on Bears: WR Reggie Davis, DT John Jenkins, WR Riley Ridley, LB Roquan Smith, WR Javon Wims

Thursday Oct. 15: Chiefs at Bills

Georgia players on Chiefs: WR Mecole Hardman

Georgia players on Bills: QB Jake Fromm, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Thursday Oct. 22: Giants at Eagles

Georgia players on Giants: OT Andrew Thomas, LB Tae Crowder, OLB Lorenzo Carter

Georgia players on Eagles: RB Elijah Holyfield

Thursday Oct. 29: Falcons at Panthers

Georgia players on Falcons: RB Todd Gurley

Georgia players on Panthers: N/A

Thursday Nov. 5: Packers at 49ers

Georgia players on Packers: N/A

Georgia players on 49ers: TE Charlie Woerner

Thursday Nov. 12: Colts at Titans

Georgia players on Colts: K Rodrigo Blankenship, OLB Justin Houston

Georgia players on Titans: C Ben Jones, OT Isaiah Wilson, OLB D’Andre Walker

Thursday Nov. 19: Cardinals at Seahawks

Georgia players on Cardinals: OL Lamont Gaillard

Georgia players on Seahawks: DB Jayson Stanley

THANKSGIVING

Thursday Nov. 26: Texans at Lions (12:30 p.m. CBS)

Georgia players on Texans: OLB Davin Bellamy, WR Tyler Simmons

Georgia players on Lions: RB D’Andre Swift, QB Matt Stafford, DT John Atkins, TE Isaac Nauta

Thursday Nov. 26: Redskins at Cowboys (4:30 p.m. Fox)

Georgia players on Redskins: OLB Thomas Davis, S Maurice Smith

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Thursday Nov. 26: Ravens at Steelers (8:20 p.m. NBC)

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Georgia players on Steelers: N/A

Thursday Dec. 3: Cowboys at Ravens 

Georgia players on Cowboys: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Thursday Dec. 10: Patriots at Rams

Georgia players on Patriots: C David Andrews, RB Sony Michel, OL Isaiah Wynn

Georgia players on Rams: OLB Leonard Floyd, ILB Natrez Patrick, DB Tyrique McGhee

Thursday Dec. 17: Chargers at Ravens 

Georgia players on Chargers: N/A

Georgia players on Ravens: LS Nick Moore, TE Eli Wolf

Friday Dec. 25: Vikings at Saints

No Georgia players in this game

Next: Sunday Night Football

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Bears’ 5 most intriguing games of 2020 season

There are some interesting games on Chicago’s regular-season slate, including four primetime games.

The Chicago Bears announced their 2020 schedule, which features games against the AFC South and NFC South, as well as their NFC North rivals and rematches from last season against the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants.

The Bears will open and close the season against divisional foes — opening the season at Detroit and ending the season against Green Bay at Soldier Field.

Despite a disappointing 2019 season, Chicago has four prime-time contests, including two Monday Night Football games against the Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

There are some interesting games on Chicago’s regular-season slate. Let’s take a look at the Bears’ five most intriguing games of the 2020 season.

Bears vs. Buccaneers

Week 5 | Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:20 p.m. CT

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears will kick off their prime-time slate with a Thursday Night Football showdown with the new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by new quarterback Tom Brady.

The last time Chicago faced Brady — and tight end Rob Gronkowski, who’s also in Tampa — Brady led the New England Patriots to a 38-31 victory at Soldier Field. While Tampa isn’t New England, there’s no denying that the Bucs became a bigger threat than they were at the start of the offseason.

Chicago has an opportunity to make a statement early in the 2020 season with a win over the Brady-led Buccaneers in prime-time.

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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Bears won’t play in a holiday game for first time since 2013

Bears fans should be able to relax a little more during the holiday season, as they won’t be playing in any holiday games in 2020.

Chicago Bears fans should be able to relax a little more during the holidays during the 2020 season.

For the first time since 2013, the Bears won’t play a game on Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, according to ChicagoBears.com’s Larry Mayer.

For the last two years, the Bears have played the Lions on Thanksgiving — both hard-fought victories for Chicago at Ford Field. Last year, Chicago defeated Detroit 24-20 in a rare showing of offensive prowess from Mitchell Trubisky and co. In 2018, safety Eddie Jackson’s fourth-quarter pick-six was the game-deciding score that helped the Bears defeat the Lions 23-16.

During the 2017 season, Chicago got an early Christmas gift with a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Eve, which left Bears players making snow angels. But the following week, the Bears suffered a 23-10 loss to the Vikings on New Year’s Eve.

In 2016, the Bears completed a Halloween upset of the 5-1 Vikings with a 20-10 victory behind strong showings by quarterback Jay Cutler and rookie running back Jordan Howard. But later that season, the Bears suffered two brutal defeats by the Washington Redskins, 41-21, and Minnesota Vikings 38-10, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, respectively.

Back in 2015, the Bears ruined Brett Favre night with an upset of the Packers on Thanksgiving with a 17-13 win at Lambeau Field. But Thanksgiving hasn’t always been kind to Chicago. In 2014, the Bears were walloped 34-17 by the Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field.

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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2020 Bears schedule: Chicago has 4 primetime games

Take a look at the Bears’ 2020 schedule, which features four primetime affairs against the Bucs, Rams, Vikings and Packers.

Amid uncertainties during the coronavirus pandemic, the NFL has continued with business as usual, which includes unveiling the 2020 schedule. That means we know exactly when the Chicago Bears are slated to face their 2020 opponents.

Aside from facing their NFC North rivals twice this season, the Bears will square off against the the AFC South and NFC South this year, which features home games against the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, as well as away games against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans.

Despite a disappointing 2019 season, the Bears still locked down four primetime games, including a pair of Monday Night Football showdowns against the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings and another primetime matchup against the Green Bay Packers in late November.

For the first time in three years, the Bears will open against someone other than the Packers, as they’ll open the 2020 season on the road in Detroit. Chicago opens up the season against the Lions and New York Giants, who were among the worst teams last season. The Bears will play their NFC North rivals in five of their final seven games.

Here’s the complete Bears’ 2020 schedule breakdown:

Week Date Opponent Time (CST)
1 Sept. 13 at Detroit Lions 12:00 p.m.
2 Sept. 20 vs. New York Giants 12:00 p.m.
3 Sept. 27 at Atlanta Falcons 12:00 p.m.
4 Oct. 4 vs. Indianapolis Colts 12:00 p.m.
5 Oct. 8 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TNF) 7:20 p.m.
6 Oct. 18 at Carolina Panthers 12:00 p.m.
7 Oct. 26 at Los Angeles Rams (MNF) 7:15 p.m.
8 Nov. 1 vs. New Orleans Saints 3:25 p.m.
9 Nov. 8 at Tennessee Titans 12:00 p.m.
10 Nov. 16 vs. Minnesota Vikings (MNF) 7:15 p.m.
11 BYE
12 Nov. 29 at Green Bay Packers (SNF) 7:20 p.m.
13 Dec. 6 vs. Detroit Lions 12:00 p.m.
14 Dec. 13 vs. Houston Texans 12:00 p.m.
15 Dec. 20 at Minnesota Vikings 12:00 p.m.
16 Dec. 27 at Jacksonville Jaguars 12:00 p.m.
17 Jan. 3 vs. Green Bay Packers 12:00 p.m.

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Bears have 13th-toughest strength of schedule in 2020

Where it stands, the Bears have an easier schedule in 2020 than they did in 2019.

Determining a team’s strength of schedule early in the offseason doesn’t have any bearing of how things ultimately pan out. But, where it stands, the Chicago Bears certainly have an easier road in 2020 than they did in 2019.

Heading into the 2020 season, the Bears are tied for the 13th toughest strength of schedule. Their 2020 opponents combined for a win percentage of .508 with a combined record of (129-125-2).

Looking at the NFC North, the Bears have the second-easiest schedule. The Detroit Lions are tied for the fifth-toughest schedule and the Minnesota Vikings are tied for the 10th-toughest schedule in the NFL. The reigning NFC North champions the Green Bay Packers have the easiest schedule in the division — the 15th toughest schedule.

Here’s a look at the strength of schedule for each of the 32 NFL teams:

Rank Team Opponents’ 2019 win %
1 New England Patriots .537 (137-118-1)
2 New York Jets .533 (136-119-1)
3 Miami Dolphins .529 (135-120-1)
4 San Francisco 49ers .527 (134-120-2)
T5 Buffalo Bills .525 (134-121-1)
T5 Atlanta Falcons .525 (134-121-1)
T5 Detroit Lions .525 (134-121-1)
T8 Arizona Cardinals .518 (132-123-1)
T8 Houston Texans .518 (132-123-1)
T10 Minnesota Vikings .516 (131-123-2)
T10 Los Angeles Rams .516 (131-123-2)
12 Denver Broncos .512 (131-125)
T13 Chicago Bears .508 (129-125-2)
T13 Seattle Seahawks .508 (129-125-2)
15 Green Bay Packers .504 (128-126-2)
T16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers .502 (128-127-1)
T16 Indianapolis Colts .502 (128-127-1)
T18 Carolina Panthers .500 (127-127-2)
T18 Kansas City Chiefs .500 (127-127-2)
20 Tennessee Titans .498 (127-128-1)
21 Las Vegas Raiders (127-129)
22 Jacksonville Jaguars .494 (126-129-1)
23 Los Angeles Chargers .492 (126-130)
24 New Orleans Saints .490 (125-130-1)
25 Philadelphia Eagles .486 (124-131-1)
26 New York Giants .482 (123-132-1)
27 Cincinnati Bengals .477 (122-134)
28 Washington Redskins .465 (118-136-2)
29 Cleveland Browns .461 (118-138)
30 Dallas Cowboys .459 (117-138-1)
31 Pittsburgh Steelers .457 (117-139)
32 Baltimore Ravens .438 (112-144)

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Bears’ 5 most interesting opponents of 2020

Ahead of the NFL’s schedule release, let’s take a look at five opponents that should make for interesting matchups in 2020.

The NFL is slated to release the 2020 schedule Thursday night — the Chicago Bears will reveal theirs at 6:30 p.m. CT — which means we’ll soon learn exactly when the Bears will be playing their 2020 opponents.

In addition to facing their NFC North foes, the Bears will also play the AFC South and NFC South this season, which present some interesting opponents with plenty of storylines for Chicago this season.

Here are the Bears’ most intriguing opponents of 2020:

Green Bay Packers

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

There’s always one opponent that a team needs to overcome in order to ultimately become champions — or take the next step. For the Bears, that’s the Packers, who Chicago has only beaten four of the last 20 times they’ve faced each other in the last decade.

After getting swept by the Packers in disappointing fashion last season, the Bears need to prove they can beat Green Bay if they have any hope of climbing back to the top of the NFC North. And for fans’ sanity, Chicago needs to come away from this season with at least one victory over Green Bay. And with the Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love drama to be played out, it should make for an interesting season for the rivals to the north.

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Bears coach Matt Nagy to appear on NFL schedule release show

Bears head coach Matt Nagy will be among the 23 guests that will appear on NFL Network’s schedule release show.

The NFL will be releasing the 2020 schedule tonight, and there’s plenty of coverage on the way. NFL Network will be hosting a three-hour “Schedule Release ’20” show beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

During their live coverage, they’ll host a slew of NFL head coaches and general managers. Bears head coach Matt Nagy will be among the 23 guests that will appear on the show.

While we don’t yet know when the Bears will be playing specific opponents, we do know who their opponents are for next season and where the games will be played — including any primetime contests.

Home Away
Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons
Indianapolis Colts Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Giants Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans
Detroit Lions Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings

The Bears will face the AFC South and NFC South this season, which includes home games against the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, as well as away games against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans. They’ll also face the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants, in addition to their NFC North foes.

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