The Chicago Bears are coming off a 3-14 season where they had the worst record in the league. Still, expectations are fairly high for Chicago heading into 2023.
General manager Ryan Poles overhauled the roster this offseason, including the additions of wide receiver DJ Moore, linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, offensive linemen Darnell Wright and Nate Davis and tight end Robert Tonyan.
Then there’s the Justin Fields factor. Fields, entering his third season, is coming off a sophomore season where he emerged as one of the NFL’s most electric playmakers with his elite rushing ability. If Fields can take the next step forward in the passing game, there’s no telling what the Bears can accomplish this season and beyond.
NFL.com’s Kevin Petra ranked all the potential worst-to-first contenders in the NFL, and the Bears landed at No. 4. Petra noted that Chicago playing in the NFC North could play a role, as well as the continued development of Fields.
Playing in the NFC North boosts the Bears above better overall rosters on this list. As does the presence of electric Justin Fields under center. The third-year quarterback played through poor surrounding talent in his first two seasons. Now he’s throwing to DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan. The offensive line is in a much better place than a year ago, too. So it’s on Fields to go from dynamic dual-threat to consistent performer. The Bears’ defense still has holes, particularly up front, but boasts young talent that should grow in Matt Eberflus’ second season. If everything coalesces in Chicago, the Bears could be a sneaky dark-horse team in a division up for grabs.
The three teams that rank ahead of the Bears are the New York Jets (AFC East), Atlanta Falcons (NFC South) and Cleveland Browns (AFC North). Chicago will face the Falcons and Browns this upcoming season.
