The Chicago Bears are set to embark on their 2023 NFL season with a challenging schedule that includes matchups against divisional rivals and prominent teams. Kicking off the season, the Bears will face the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday Night Football in Week 1. Beyond that, this opening game is a vital first test to gauge how far along the Bears still are. Both are looking to assert their early season supremacy.
In Week 2, the Bears will travel to Detroit to face the Lions. After that, they’ll welcome the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. These first few matches are crucial as they will dictate the feeling for the rest of the year. Following their home contest against Dallas, the Bears will head out west to take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. They’ll follow that up with a well-timed bye week in Week 5.
Key Matchups and Divisional Rivalries
The Bears’ schedule features several key matchups that could impact their playoff aspirations. With their bye week behind them, the team is excited to get back on the field. Their date with the Washington Commanders in Week 6 on Monday Night Football is HUGE, though! This publicized contest on Sunday Night Football will be a true test to see how the Bears respond in an intense atmosphere.
In Week 7, we meet the New Orleans Saints at home. Then, in Week 8, we are on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have consistently been one of the Colts’ worst competitors. Regardless, this could be an eye-opening game for the Bears as they seek to have one last impressive road performance. The Bengals Chicago Bears at Chicago Bears in Week 9 of the 2022 season. The Bengals come into the game with an explosive offense, making this a tough matchup for the Bears. CONTINUED PAGE 2
“I enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” said Johnson, highlighting the competitive spirit within the NFC North.
In Weeks 10 through 15, the Bears will welcome the New York Giants for an NFC matchup. They’ll return to Minnesota for a rematch with the Vikings in Week 11. After that, they have a daunting home game vs the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. On top of that, during the holiday season they will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Black Friday Football for Week 13. After that, they’ll travel to Lambeau Field for a hostile showdown in a timeless rivalry clash with the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.
Looking Ahead: Predictions and Insights
Taking a break from playing on the road, Week 15 provides yet another opportunity for sweet revenge with the Cleveland Browns coming to town. With each passing week, pundits and analysts start wondering just how bad the Bears will fare in what surely is the toughest schedule in the NFL. Divisional rivalries create some of the most intense competition on the field. Contests against other top-tier elites such as Philadelphia and Green Bay will be critically important in determining their playoff future.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur understood just as well their rivalry’s competitive pedigree. He stated, “I’m not going to lose too much sleep” over facing the Bears, emphasizing that every game is crucial but manageable within the larger context of the season.
The most important thing for the Bears’ performance will be to continue winning at home and beating teams in their own division. So as the Saints head into their regenesis, a strong start against the Vikings would go a long way to build confidence.
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