Jay Cutler Returns to Denver: Chicago Bears 2011 NFL Schedule Highlights

The NFL released its 2011 schedule, which may seem a bit presumptuous considering that there may not even be a 2011 season.

Still, optimism prevails, and once the owners and players determine how to slice that $9 billion pie, the Bears, like all teams, will have their hands full.

It's a tough schedule for Chicago to be sure. But it also features some very interesting storylines.

Among the highlights will be Jay Cutler's return to the team he used to play for, the Denver Broncos. Then-coach Josh McDaniels couldn't wait to get rid of Cutler, and so Cutler returned the favor by asking out.

Meanwhile, here is the Bears' schedule from Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune:

Week 1 ATLANTA

Week 2 at New Orleans

Week 3 GREEN BAY

Week 4 CAROLINA

Week 5 at Detroit

Week 6 MINNESOTA

Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay at London

Week 8 OFF

Week 9 at Philadelphia

Week 10 Detroit

Week 11 SAN DIEGO

Week 12 at Oakland

Week 13 KANSAS CITY

Week 14 at Denver

Week 15 SEATTLE

Week 16 at Green Bay

Week 17 at Minnesota

Bears Open at Home Against the Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons rolls out to pass against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Phot

The first game of the year features a very talented Atlanta Falcons team coming to Soldier Field on Sunday, September 11.

Atlanta won the NFC South last season with a record of 13-3. Somewhat surprisingly (although not so surprising in hindsight), they lost to eventual Super Bowl champs Green Bay in the playoffs before getting a chance to face the Bears.

They are led by soon-to-be 26-year-old QB Matt Ryan, who had an outstanding season in 2010. He threw for 28 TDs against only nine INTs.

The Falcons have a couple of stud offensive linemen they need to re-sign. Then again, the Bears will gladly take one of them as free agents if they can.

This is a rough way to start the season, though last year the Falcons also started out on the road, losing to Pittsburgh in OT. In fact, two of their three regular season losses came on the road.

Road Trip for Bears Fans: New Orleans, Here We Come!

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NEW ORLEANS - FEBRUARY 07: Fans celebrate the New Orleans Saints win against the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on February 7, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints defeated the Colts, 31-17. (Pho

While the schedule doesn't get any easier after week one, at least Bears fans who can afford to travel will have a great destination to go to in week two.

The Big Easy awaits Bears fans, who fondly remember the Super Bowl Bears winning there in January of 1986. While Jay Cutler may not moon anyone like Jim McMahon did, he does apparently like his drink, so you may see him on Bourbon Street. Who knows?

Another week, another quality QB. Drew Brees may not have had quite the season as 2009; he will be a test for the Bears defense.

Week 3: Rematch vs. the Packers

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

In week three, the tough matches keep on coming, but this is one Bears fans will be eagerly anticipating.

The Bears get their chance at some measure of revenge as they face their archrivals and bitter enemies in a rematch of the 2010 NFC Championship game.

Can Jay Cutler redeem himself in the eyes of critics who thought he should have stayed in that game? Or are the Bears doomed to face years of futility like they did when Brett Favre was the Packers QB?

Let's hope it's the former. At least it's a home game and possibly early enough for the weather to be decent.

Bears vs Caroline: The Return of Ron Rivera

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SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera of the San Diego Chargers looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 23, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Image

So this matchup may not have the sexiness of some others, but it is a chance to see former Bears Ron Rivera coach an NFL team.

Many Bears fans wanted Rivera to stay and have Lovie Smith go, so there are still some Rivera fans among us.

Week 7: Bears Travel to London

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: The New court 3 is seen and will be ready for the 2011 Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club on April 19, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Now, if you can start saving your money, perhaps you could have the ultimate road trip to London to watch the Bears play Tampa Bay.

I don't really like this matchup because the food stinks in London; plus, why do we need to sell the NFL overseas anyway? It's already hugely popular. Plus, wouldn't we rather be in sunny Florida in a truly fine football stadium?

Imagine how the Bucs feel. This is supposed to be a home game for them.

Bears on National TV Four Times in 2011

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 09: Matt Millen (C) works on the set of the pregame show for ESPN's Monday Night Football as his co hosts Stuart Scott (L) and Steve Young (R) work on their personal electronic devices as the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Denver Broncos

The Bears will get their faces plastered all over America at least four times this year.

They play a Monday night contest against Detroit in week 5, and the following week, are on Sunday Night Football against the Vikings.

They return from the bye week (following the London game) to face the Eagles in Philadelphia on Monday Night Football on November 7.

Then, on Christmas Day, they face the Packers on national TV. 

December 11: Jay Cutler Returns to Denver

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks on while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

I'm sure Broncos fans are circling this date on their 2011 calendars. After all, what else do they have to look forward to?

Okay, cheap shot alert. But it will be fascinating to see how the normally stoic Cutler reacts to going back to Denver for the first time since the trade went down.

Denver fans strongly dislike Cutler, so he might want to wear ear plugs.

Christmas Day Present: Bears vs Packers

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WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 23: Hawks fans dressed as Santa Claus cheer during the round 11 NBL match between the Wollongong Hawks and the Gold Coast Blaze at Wollongong Entertainment Centre on December 23, 2010 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by

On December 25, the NFL gives Bears fans a present, gift-wrapped with a victory, hopefully.

Just like last year, when the Bears faced the Packers in a game that turned out to be tragically important, this may be a game of equal importance to both teams.

The Bears finish the season the following week in Minnesota. But this Christmas matchup may be the most critical game of the season.