5 nightmare scenarios for the Bears in 2024

Everything goes right for the Packers, Lions and Vikings

We already know the Packers and Lions are competitive teams on the rise. Both made postseason appearances last year. Both seem to have the quarterback position locked down, which in the eyes of Bears fans, is a little tiresome, referring to Green Bay at least.

If Minnesota turns to rookie J.J. McCarthy earlier in the season and he winds up everything they'd hoped for, then the Vikings could also end up being a problem. Let's say all goes well for the Bears' division rivals (the Lions' defense is as improved as they believe it is, Jordan Love continues his ascension and Minnesota is much better than anticipated). If that's the case, then the Bears' worst-case scenario would be going something like 2-4 in the division, which would greatly hurt their playoff odds.

The lack of pass rush help proves evident

Last season, the Bears ended the year with only 30 sacks as a team, which was good for second-worst in the NFL. After trading for Montez Sweat before last season's deadline, the Bears still needed additional help at the defensive end position.

Over the course of the offseason, the only notable move Chicago made was to add fifth-round rookie Austin Booker. While some experts graded Booker as high as a third-round prospect, he's still a rookie, and that means he is anything but a sure thing.

With this being a quarterback-driven league, the Bears have to find a way to get to the passer. And, if they don't, their pass defense might not be able to keep up. If Chicago ends the season toward the bottom of the league in sacks again, that won't bode well.