With less than a week to go before the Chicago Bears kick off their 2025 season, it may not be a bad idea to look ahead to what the team has through the first five games of the year.
It'll be a challenging schedule for the Bears as they have two NFC North opponents to kick things off, with two of the first five games on national television on Monday night. They have a cross-country road game in Las Vegas, which is always a challenging task.
With the NFC North continuing to get better and better, it's important for the Bears to get off to a fast start to the season with some wins on the board. Can they get off to a winning record through five games to be in a good position later in the year?
Predicting the Bears' first five games of massive 2025 season
Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears - Week 1
- Date: Monday, September 8
- Time: 7:15 p.m. CST
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Channel: ABC/ESPN
The Vikings have one massive question that needs to be answered: Is quarterback J.J. McCarthy the real deal? McCarthy has a ton of talent on offense with Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones, but the team won't have its second-best receiver in Jordan Addison. This could ultimately prove to be an advantage for the Bears.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will figure out early how for real this Chicago offensive line is, as they have a Vikings team that has their top two edge rushers top over 10 sacks in 2024. The Bears may need to rely on a quick pass game and a power run game to remain competitive.
With the uncertainty of the Vikings, enough of a pass rush from Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo could be enough to spark a critical Week 1 win for the Bears against Minnesota.
Prediction: Bears 24, Vikings 17 (Record: 1-0)
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions - Week 2
- Date: Sunday, September 14
- Time: 12:00 p.m. CST
- Venue: Ford Field
- Channel: FOX
Chicago has not had much luck against the Lions, as they have lost five of the last six matchups against them. Bears head coach Ben Johnson will have a little bit of motivation going into this game as a former offensive coordinator of the Lions.
Detroit still has the usual suspects on offense, with quarterback Jared Goff leading the way. Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is back from injury which will only make life tougher on the Bears' offensive line.
There are some that believe the Lions could take a step back, but they are still one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. With the Bears being on the road, it might not be an easy game for them. Consider this one a loss for Chicago.
Prediction: Lions 30, Bears 19 (Record: 1-1)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears - Week 3
- Date: Sunday, September 21
- Time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Venue: Soldier Field
- Channel: FOX
No Micah Parsons, no problem for the Bears as their offensive line will have an easy time bullying the Cowboys' edge rushers. If Kenny Clark, to get back to his Pro Bowl form, running the ball up the middle could be challenging for Bears running back D'Andre Swift.
With Williams needing to get comfortable in Johnson's offense, this could be the game where everything comes together and we see the true potential of the Bears' franchise QB. Expect Williams to throw at least three touchdowns in this game and pick up an easy win over Dallas.
Prediction: Bears 35, Cowboys 21 (Record: 2-1)
Chicago Bears vs. Las Vegas Raiders - Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 3:25 p.m. CST
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium
- Channel: CBS
Pete Carroll is in Las Vegas now, so the Raiders should not be considered an easy win. Geno Smith is at quarterback, with Brock Bowers only getting back as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL in just his second season.
Maxx Crosby should be the Bears' biggest concern, with the offensive line once again being the focal point. Williams might be facing some more pressure than usual, so it could be the Swift show in the backfield.
Traveling across the country is never easy, as this could be a bit of a sloppy game. Fortunately, the Bears have Cairo Santos at kicker, who should be able to kick a game-winning field goal to help Chicago escape from Sin City.
Prediction: Bears 17, Raiders 14 (Record: 3-1)
Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders - Week 6
- Date: Monday, October 13
- Time: 7:15 p.m. CST
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: ABC/ESPN
Another tough matchup for the Bears as they go up against the Commanders. The nightmares are reappearing to Bears fans after Jayden Daniels' last-second Hail Mary sparked the epic collapse of Chicago the rest of the year.
Not much has changed for Washington, as Daniels will only get better, and Von Miller is now rushing off the edge for the Commanders. The team remains essentially the same from 2024, but with a year of experience added, making it a more veteran team.
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The Bears might be able to keep it close early, but this feels like a game where Chicago could let it slip out of their hands with a final drive turnover for a touchdown to make it worse than it seems. Give the Bears another loss on the board.
Prediction: Commanders 28, Bears 16 (Record: 3-2)