SECOND QUARTER
Week 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings always have trouble at Soldier Field. It’s just sort of a thing between the two teams. It is hard to win on each others’ home field. Last year proved that as the Bears soundly beat their purple rivals 20-10. That was the game Jordan Howard went from upstart rookie to emerging star. Minnesota would like people to think they’re much improved from last year after an active free agency. Thing is Sam Bradford is still their quarterback.
Result: Win
Week 6 at Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is always a tough team to play. Having a great GM like Ozzie Newsome is a big reason why. They’re strong on defense and play a tough, ball control offense. The trick is the Ravens are tougher at home. They were 6-2 in their home building last season with the two losses being by a combined seven points. Are the Bears ready to walk into that sort of hostile atmosphere and come out with a win? Not likely given their youth and inexperience.
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Result: Loss
Week 7 vs. Carolina Panthers
Don’t be fooled by their rough 2016 season. This is still a good football team with a lot of top notch talent. Cam Newton at quarterback, Greg Olsen at tight end, Christian McCaffrey at running back, Luke Kuechly and Kawann Short on defense. It’s a lot to contend with. The key matchup though may be in advantage to Chicago. Carolina has a weak offensive line, especially at the edges. The Bears, with their strong front seven, could take advantage.
Result: Win
Week 8 at New Orleans Saints
Man, say this for the Saints. They sure know how to build an offense. Drew Brees is absolutely surrounded by playmaking talent. Michael Thomas is becoming a major receiving threat. His offensive line just absorbed another first round pick in tackle Ryan Ramczyk and now he has a trio of running backs in Mark Ingram, Adrian Peterson and Alvin Kamara. The Bears have to face that in the Superdome for four quarters? Man, that’s tough.
Result: Loss
