Chicago Bears Schedule 2017-18: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Entire Season

The 2017 NFL schedule doesn't do the Chicago Bears many favors.

Before the schedule itself was announced, simply knowing the opponents provided an interesting outlook. Finishing with all of three wins a year ago helped set up a soft portion such as a home game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Overall, though, being fortunate enough to clash with the AFC North gets evened out by needing to deal with the NFC South, a division littered with high-flying offenses sure to test the Bears defensively. Six NFC North games muddy the outlook as well, depending on how the teams reload.

Win-loss predictions aren't an exact science this time of year ahead of the draft. But it's a good time to step back and look at the overarching picture while beginning to get an idea of what the Bears will face on a week-to-week basis.

Below, let's outline and the full schedule and get cozy with what awaits the Bears as they head into the third year of an extensive rebuild.

Week 1: vs. Atlanta

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A matchup with a team coming off a Super Bowl berth is never a fun time, even if the Atlanta Falcons crashed and burned during their chance at a Lombardi Trophy.

Even windy Chicago won't give the Bears much of an advantage in a matchup like this. Even a strong front seven, provided everyone is healthy, won't have an easy time slowing Matt Ryan and his targets like Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel, not to mention Devonta Freeman out of the backfield.

Chicago's best bet is a run-based approach with Jordan Howard. Should it work, Ryan isn't on the field enough to do serious damage. The problem? Atlanta ranked 17th against the rush last year and added a guy like Dontari Poe in the middle next to the elite Grady Jarrett, not to mention possible defensive upgrades through the draft.

If the entire defense is healthy, Leonard Floyd and others will be able to get some pressure and disrupt Ryan. But even new boundary additions such as Prince Amukamara aren't stopping Jones, and especially not in Week 1 while trying to jell as a unit.

Look for the Bears to try a grind-it-out approach that works well in the first half before the Falcons hit on a few splash plays. This is simply a case of two teams in very different spots of contention right now. Super Bowl hangover team on the road or not, Chicago isn't to the point of shuttering such an attack.

Prediction: Falcons 30, Bears 17

Week 2: at Tampa Bay

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Are Bears fans ready for the Mike Glennon revenge game? 

Just kidding.

Truthfully, the Bears catch Glennon's former team at the worst possible time. Jameis Winston just led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first winning season since 2010 and the front office went out and upgraded the offense in a big way with DeSean Jackson, who opens things up through the air nicely alongside Mike Evans.

Tampa Bay played mostly everyone close last year, even beating Atlanta, taking Oakland to overtime, winning in Kansas City, beating Seattle and losing to Dallas by six. Oh, and they beat the Bears 36-10 at home while Jay Cutler threw two interceptions and Howard rushed for 100 yards on 15 carries.

This isn't last year and these are future projections mostly independent of the past, but it's important to contextualize a rising Buccaneers team because fans are so accustomed to seeing them on the schedule and chalking it as an easy win.

It's not.

Provided the Buccaneers address the running back spot well, the offense will trot out a balanced attack sure to give the Bears problems. The saving grace is likely Howard, who the Bears can ride to a pace-controlling victory. But the coaching staff, unlike last year against Tampa Bay, must actually commit to the approach. 

This has the feel of two teams at similar points of a rebuild, with the better defense and ground game able to grind out a victory late.

Prediction: Bears 23, Buccaneers 20 

Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh

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The only good thing to say about the Bears hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers is at least the encounter doesn't go down in Pittsburgh. 

As is tradition, Pittsburgh's line will probably have some problems protecting Ben Roethlisberger, especially against a tandem of Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee, not to mention another possible strong year from Akiem Hicks.

But also as is tradition, barring injury, it won't matter much.

Chicago might add a flashy rookie defensive back to the mix with the turnover-minded Quintin Demps and new boundary faces, but the hodgepodge group won't be able to run with Antonio Brown, let alone account for Le'Veon Bell out of the backfield. And concerning Brown, dealing with him after Jones and Mike Evans is a recipe for disaster.

Pittsburgh hardly allowed 20 points per game last year, another tradition the franchise figures to continue. Mike Glennon isn't winning a duel with Big Ben unless Howard has a career game and opens things up for an unproven passing game.

Prediction: Steelers 34, Bears 24

Week 4: at Green Bay

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It wasn't too long ago (2015) the Bears marched into Lambeau Field and stole a win. 

While a bit of proof for the "anything can happen" believers, it's best not to get the hopes up about an upset this year. 

The Green Bay Packers lost all of two games at home last year. One came at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, and the other Andrew Luck.

While one could rightfully point out the Bears have a star back of their own in Howard, the Bears certainly don't have an Andrew Luck or a secondary capable of keeping up with a healthy Aaron Rodgers.

Besting Rodgers early in the season at home isn't going to happen. The supporting cast around him is too deep, and the Bears will still be trying to get their defensive legs under them in the secondary, now dealing with Jordy Nelson after Jones, Evans and Brown (those in charge of making the schedule really wanted to test the new-look secondary, apparently).

The Bears will get a shot at revenge later in the year in the friendly confines of home, but it's hard to give them a nod here so early in the season and at the tail end of an absolutely brutal September.

Prediction: Packers 34, Bears 24

Week 5: vs. Minnesota

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Good luck figuring out if the Bears can put down the Minnesota Vikings. 

Look at last year—an inspired effort by Jay Cutler had the Bears beating the Vikings 20-10 in their first matchup, only to turn around and suffer a 38-10 whipping in the rematch at the end of the season.

Honestly, those were extreme circumstances on both ends of the spectrum. Cutler going all, well, Cutler, was great. The exhausted, injured Bears fizzling out in Week 17, not so much.

What we can say is both teams have improved. Bears fans know the improvements in Chicago, but Minnesota upgraded the offense with Latavius Murray at running back and Riley Reiff in the offensive trenches.

The Vikings are a problem for the Bears because they play the same brand of football. Murray will grind it out on the ground, and the efficient Sam Bradford can hit splash plays over the top to Stefon Diggs and others.

Luckily for the Bears, history says Chicago can take care of business at home. Minnesota has won in Chicago once since 2008. It's a coin flip sort of matchup, with the Bears taking the home stand on the heels of—shocker—Howard's strong rushing. After all, the man ran for 288 yards and a score against the Vikings over two games a year ago.

Prediction: Bears 20, Vikings 17

Week 6: at Baltimore

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Those faithful to the Baltimore Ravens probably don't want to admit it, but the Ravens and Bears are rather close as far as roster quality goes. 

Baltimore prides itself on a strong front seven and running game, yet has gone 5-11 and 8-8 over the past two seasons. Maybe the biggest difference between the two isn't quarterback play, but Baltimore's ability to stay healthy, at least compared to Chicago's injured-reserve list last year.

On the road or not, the Bears won't blink much at a Terrance West-Danny Woodhead backfield or a crop of weapons mostly featuring deep threat Mike Wallace.

Granted, Baltimore only permitted 20.1 points per game a year ago. Howard will cause the front some problems, but the unproven cast of receiving weapons (still developing chemistry) won't pose much of a problem for a safety tandem boasting Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson.

This is destined to be a low-scoring affair provided both defenses can enter the contest close to full strength. It's mostly a wash, though Howard might be the most talented offensive player for either team and has a mauling interior line to follow in a grind-it-out affair.

Prediction: Bears 20, Ravens 17

Week 7: vs. Carolina

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Chicago beating the Carolina Panthers is a tough sell even before the Panthers pull the trigger on one of the 2017 draft's top picks. 

Cam Newton is a dual-threat superstar who will even give Chicago's strong front seven problems, though Leonard Floyd and Pernell McPhee getting after him should at least keep him uncomfortable. Greg Olsen creates matchup nightmares over the middle, and Kelvin Benjamin can run with most boundary players when healthy.

On paper, Carolina's defense won't bend and break like it did a year ago. The team added quality defensive back Captain Munnerlyn and will pair Julius Peppers with a stalwart rushing line featuring Charles Johnson and Kawann Short.

If Mike Glennon has time to throw, he can make some headway against a secondary that still needs some work. But this feels like a game Carolina can grind out through Newton simply eating time of possession, a notion only furthered if the front office spends a high pick on a back like Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey.

Home or not, even a Bears defense somehow 100 percent healthy won't fully slow an MVP contender. Carolina's smart building on the defensive side of the ball could fluster Glennon, who now has plenty of games with his new team under his belt, yet probably has an eye on the bye week after an up-and-down start.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Bears 20

Week 8: at New Orleans

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Going to New Orleans and picking up a win isn't the easiest feat in the NFL, even if the struggling Saints have finished 7-9 three years in a row. 

The sheer desperation around the franchise makes it hard to predict whether the Bears can steal a win on the road. New Orleans wants to compete as Drew Brees' career fades to black, hence a pair of first-round picks and an apparent flirtation with New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler.

Brees is the type of quarterback who can nullify a quality rush by Chicago simply through getting the ball out fast. He's seen much better defenses, especially secondaries. 

Where this is interesting is whether a guy like Glennon can perform well in a potential shootout in a dome. The logical answer is no given the lack of offensive experience around him, but the offense doesn't have any excuse to not be on the same page by now.

This might have a different outcome if Brees had to deal with the elements away from home. But in his yard, he'll force Chicago's front seven into a conservative approach and feast.

Prediction: Saints 35, Bears 28

Week 10: vs. Green Bay

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The Bears didn't manage to steal a game in the season series against the Green Bay Packers last year. 

That said, a Week 15 matchup in Chicago was a 30-27 affair in which the teams entered halftime tied and the Bears dropped 17 points in the fourth quarter, riding a wave of support from the fans who decided to show up.

This year should be different, especially if the Bears dedicate the bye to besting a rival. Aaron Rodgers might play better than his no-touchdown performance, but the Bears won't lean on two touchdowns and three interceptions from Matt Barkley. And the defense should be healthy enough to prevent a guy like Ty Montgomery from running for 162 yards and two scores on 16 carries.

The Packers added a familiar face with Martellus Bennett this offseason, but they have now lost two elite guards in less than a year. These troubles will show up on the road in the November cold against a strong Chicago front seven.

At home, Howard rushed for 90 yards and a score on 17 carries (5.3 average) against the Packers last year. It's reasonable to expect him to have another big game while keeping Rodgers off the field as an improved Bears team slips past the Packers.

Prediction: Bears 27, Packers 24

Week 11: vs. Detroit

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The Detroit Lions visiting the Bears last year turned out to be one of the team's proudest moments. 

In the 17-14 win, Chicago went without Danny Trevathan and forced Matthew Stafford into a pair of interceptions, while Brian Hoyer threw for 302 yards and two scores. The second meeting later in the season was only a three-point win for the Lions.

Interestingly enough, one could argue the Bears have improved more than the Lions this offseason. Detroit's defense lost DeAndre Levy, which in part overshadows smart additions along the offensive line such as tackle Rick Wagner (a guy the Bears would've loved to have) and guard T.J. Lang.

The Bears feel like a team built to beat the Lions. Wagner helps fend off Chicago's rush, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has it coming from so many angles it will only work for so long. And Detroit hasn't changed much offensively, while the Bears have new boundary guys like Marcus Cooper who can better run with the likes of Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, at least compared to last year.

Look for the Bears to grind this one out at home. Jordan Howard should have a huge game after hitting the Lions for 111 yards on 23 carries (4.8 yards per carry) in the first meeting and another 86 on 13 (6.6 YPC) in the second. Such effectiveness with a better quarterback like Mike Glennon should have the Bears feeling comfortable at home.

Prediction: Bears 28, Lions 20

Week 12: at Philadelphia

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In a perfect world, the Bears roll into Philadelphia and show Alshon Jeffery he made a huge mistake by choosing the Eagles.

Don't count on it.

Carson Wentz was a problem last year when his wideouts dropped passes left and right. Now he's got a year of NFL experience under his belt and the tandem of Jeffery and Torrey Smith to work with, not to mention the dangerous Jordan Mathews in the slot.

It gets lost in the fact the Eagles collapsed in the second half of last year, but the surging defense only allowed 20.7 points per game.

This isn't to say the Bears can't compete on the road. But the rookie Wentz marched into Chicago last year and got a 29-14 decision. Chicago had the ball for less than 24 minutes, and now Philadelphia's passing attack is even better this year, while Chicago's secondary hasn't necessarily improved.

By this point in the season, the revamped Wentz-led offense should be rolling. Look for a quarterback of his ilk to take control of this game and beat the Bears at their own game again.

Prediction: Eagles 30, Bears 23

Week 13: vs. San Francisco

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Bears fans will probably rub their hands together in a fit of giddiness at welcoming both Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley back to Soldier Field. 

Before the draft, those two have the shot at the starting quarterback gig for the San Francisco 49ers, which says most everything fans need to know about the organization right now.

Granted, San Francisco has a high pick in the draft, but a rookie trying to navigate the elements of the Windy City against a strong front seven is a recipe for disaster. San Francisco's defense doesn't fare much better after a lengthy trip, as the unit won't have an answer for Jordan Howard on the ground, which subsequently opens things up through the air.

The simple fact of the matter is San Francisco's unfortunate status is looking the league's most extensive rebuild right in the eye. Few rosters have experienced such catastrophic roster turnover over the past few years. It's a situation the Bears can use as a stepping stone of sorts to take a stab at a strong finish while getting young guys experience and continue a rebuild of their own.

Chalk it up as the Bears winning a game they're supposed to win.

Prediction: Bears 30, 49ers 14

Week 14: at Cincinnati

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On paper, the Bears catch the Cincinnati Bengals at just the right time. 

It's no secret the playoff window in Cincinnati is mostly closed after a 6-9-1 season and major talent leakage this offseason such as running back Rex Burkhead and offensive linemen Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler.

But again, on paper. The Bengals may have too much trust in young offensive linemen and Chicago's rush can exploit it, but the Bears don't exactly have the personnel to stop an A.J. Green or Tyler Eifert—most teams don't.

Looking at the overall schedule, the closest thing Chicago sees to Green is Julio Jones, Mike Evans or Antonio Brown, and we know how those predictions go. Arguably no team the Bears face boasts a weapon like Eifert.

Much of this will come down to how healthy the Bengals are by the time this game rolls around (Eifert has had his problems staying on the field) and whether the team indeed guns after a top back like Leonard Fournette at No. 9. If so, it only makes the task in hostile territory even harder on a defense still rebuilding its back end.

Chicago can keep this mostly defensive battle closer than most would think, but two of the league's best overall players trump the Bears in lacking areas enough times to squeak past.

Prediction: Bengals 30, Bears 28

Week 15: at Detroit

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The Bears haven't won on the road against Detroit since 2012. The Lions won six games at home last year.

Readers can see where this is going.

Stafford being able to relax in front of his home crowd and let it fly is a problem for a team like the Bears, which hopes to break in new boundary corners and possibly trot out a rookie safety to fix a gaping hole in a struggling secondary.

Granted, Chicago was competitive against Detroit in both games last year. The rush got after Stafford, and Howard didn't have problems making headway on the ground.

Provided the Lions keep building smartly, the defense should keep trending toward bend-but-don't-break territory. Howard can have a big game and the Bears still lose if the Lions can—like Week 14 last year—keep him from scoring.

Look for Stafford to do similar to what he did one year ago, leading a late scoring drive in the comforts of home.

Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 17

Week 16: vs. Cleveland

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Talk about a softball over the middle of the plate. 

The Cleveland Browns deserve some credit for heading in the right direction. Quarterback remains a mystery, but a treasure trove of draft assets—including No. 1 and No. 12 this year—have head coach Hue Jackson poised to be the man who finally turns things around.

Which doesn't help the Browns in the short term against the Bears in this encounter.

The savvy addition of Jamie Collins doesn't stop Jordan Howard, nor does a miserable depth chart in the defensive backfield slow Mike Glennon's receivers, even if the forecast predicts snow. Defensively, the Bears won't have problems creating turnovers against a possible rookie quarterback, and shuttering Isaiah Crowell into a predictable approach isn't difficult, even if the offensive line has a major boost with Zeitler.

It's good this comes near the end of the season. The Bears should be about where expected and in need of a win, and taking a game they're supposed to take is a breath of fresh air compared to last year.

Prediction: Bears 28, Browns 14

Week 17: at Minnesota

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As seems to be the new norm, the Bears close the season on the road against the Vikings. 

It's almost impossible to say how either team will show up in Week 17. Last year, the Bears basically didn't show up to close the season, taking a 38-10 road whipping while Bradford threw three touchdowns and Chicago's only passing score came from Cameron Meredith.

As mentioned earlier, a matchup between these teams feels like a coin flip. But like other NFC North road games, it's hard to give the nod to the Bears, especially here since they haven't won in Minnesota since 2012.

If the rest of the season plays out the way it's predicted here, Chicago won't have anything to play for once again. This doesn't mean the team will show up and take another beating, but another bump in the win column by taking down the Vikings here doesn't help draft position.

Howard, as usual, will be the star of the show. But as fans saw last year and in the projections here, many times that simply isn't enough.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Bears 17

Final Record: 7-9

All contract information courtesy of Spotrac unless otherwise specified. Stats courtesy of NFL.com. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.