Every analyst has their predictions on how the Chicago Bears will do in 2024. Some say that the Bears are primed to take a big step forward after finishing 7-10 in 2023, while others say to pump the brakes on the optimism. However, NFL Network’s Rich Eisen gave the most shocking - and exciting if you’re a Bears fan, prediction of any we’ve heard.
On Tuesday, on The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen gave his top-five sleeper teams for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. The criteria for Eisen’s sleepers are that nobody is to be hyping up any of these teams going into the season and that none of the teams made the playoffs last year. Eisen chose the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, and the Tennessee Titans. But then Eisen added a bonus team to the mix, the Chicago Bears.
Rich Eisen says the Bears to the NFC championship game is a sleeper pick this season. 👀 #DaBears #Bears pic.twitter.com/MpU3tYUXXb
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) July 24, 2024
While many do believe the Bears will improve upon their 7-10 record from last year, this is by far the must bullish prediction regarding how far Chicago can go in 2024. I can see why Eisen is high on this team, even if an NFC Championship game appearance is wishful thinking to some. First, Caleb Williams has to be the guy. We can talk and analyze until we’re blue in the face, but until Williams goes out and provides results on the field, we are still just guessing.
Aside from Williams, the Bears added some serious weapons on offense this past offseason. Newly acquired wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze will join the already lethal DJ Moore to round out one of the best-receiving corps in the NFL. The addition of running back D’Andre Swift was also a great move, giving Chicago another pass-catching dual-threat out of the backfield.
The offensive line looks solid on paper with four returning starters, plus the additions of veterans Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton, who are competing for the starting center job. The main questions regarding the offensive line include it’s depth should there be injuries, the center position, and the continued development of left tackle Braxton Jones.
Defensively, the Bears were tied for first in interceptions in 2023. Then they signed Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million extension in the offseason. If that wasn’t enough, they signed two-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to a two-year deal worth up to $15 million. Add in impressive youngsters Jaquan Brisker and Tyrique Stevenson, and the Bears' secondary got even better going into 2024.
The front seven has a few depth questions, particularly on the defensive line. However, defensive end Montez Sweat is a 15-sack season waiting to happen, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is reportedly in tremendous shape entering training camp.
With the unknowns entering the season being the offensive/defensive line depth plus the development of Caleb Williams, the Bears are a team with serious potential if those unknowns result in positive outcomes. If the defensive line produces and rounds out a potential top-five defense, if the offensive line protects Caleb Williams, and if Williams turns out to be the franchise quarterback we expect - then I can see why Rich Eisen has the Bears on his radar for massive success in 2024.