The Chicago Bears hold the #2 overall pick in the 2023 draft. There is one problem. Even if they lose their remaining four games, there is still a chance they won’t keep that pick. A big reason is the strength of their schedule. With it being so tough, any team that finishes with the same record is likely to get the #2 pick because of a weaker schedule. The two teams to worry about going into this week were the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos, both 3-9. Each has to win one more game if the Bears are to have a clear lane to the 2nd pick. Then Baker Mayfield came to the rescue.
The former #1 pick has endured a rough past year. He was kicked to the curb by the Cleveland Browns in favor of Deshaun Watson during the off-season and sent to the Carolina Panthers in a trade. He struggled there, having to endure the rough coaching of Matt Rhule. Many felt he was done as a starting quarterback. Carolina released him this week. The Los Angeles Rams, hobbled by injuries at the position, claimed him off waivers. Barely 24 hours later, he was active for Thursday Night Football against the Raiders.
Trailing 16-3, people didn’t expect much. Then Mayfield worked some magic. After a score to narrow the lead 16-10, the defense got a quick stop to give him a chance. However, a punt put L.A. at their own two-yard line. It didn’t matter. Mayfield made a series of incredible throws to get the Rams into the end zone and the win column. While personal vindication for him, it’s also a huge development for the Bears’ draft hopes.
Baker Mayfield did his part. Now comes Russell Wilson.
The Denver Broncos have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2023 season. Not only do they have one of the best defenses in the league, but they also traded for Russell Wilson. You’d think with that setup, they’d be competing for the #1 seed in the AFC. Nope. They’ve been atrocious to watch, especially on offense. Wilson has only eight touchdown passes this year, and the Broncos are last in scoring. Still, their defense is good enough to give them an opportunity to win at least one more game. All they need is one solid performance from Wilson.
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If it happens, all the Bears would have to do is lose their remaining four games. That isn’t hard to do. Their next two games are against Philadelphia and Buffalo. Those are definite losses. Then comes Detroit and Minnesota. The Lions already beat Chicago once, and this rematch will be in Detroit. As for the Vikings, it may come down to if they choose to rest their starters depending on their playoff positioning. Claiming the #2 pick would be a massive win for a franchise in the early stages of a rebuild.
