Off the heels of an unlikely playoff appearance in 2020, the Chicago Bears look to kick off a deeper playoff run in 2021 with a win in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. With an overhauled QB room with current starting journeyman Andy Dalton and electric rookie Justin Fields right behind him, Chicago could very possibly have solved their biggest hole on what was already a postseason team.

For that reason, Bears fans should have a lot to be excited for. They return one of the more underrated skill position groups in the league, led by Pro Bowl receiver Allen Robinson, dynamic youngsters Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, as well as a deep running back room with David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen, and Damien Williams. On the defensive side, Chicago returns one of the most fearsome front-7s in the league with Khalil Mack, Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, Robert Quinn, and Roquan Smith.

Will the Bears get off on the right foot in Los Angeles against a loaded Rams team with new QB Matthew Stafford? Here are 4 bold predictions for their 2021 season opener.

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4. Darnell Mooney has breakout game

Mooney, the Bears fifth-round pick in last year's draft, had a great rookie campaign with 61 catches for 631 yards. As he enters his sophomore season with the potential to be a true No. 2 weapon alongside Allen Robinson, it will be imperative for the Bears' success that he fills the potential that he has to be the second dynamic weapon in this offense. With Jalen Ramsey shadowing Robinson, Dalton will be targeting Mooney early and often, allowing for him to break off some big chunk plays.

3. Bears D shows out with multiple takeaways

As the Rams boast one of the strongest defenses in the league, it will be difficult for Chicago to consistently move the ball down the field. For a chance at an upset, the Bears will have to do the same on defense, making life difficult for Stafford and Co. as well as creating short-field opportunities for the offense.

Knowing this, new Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai will be excited to take some chances on crucial downs in Week 1. With a former DPOY and several other great talents in the front 7, expect a strip sack or two and an interception from Stafford on a big third down.

2. Andy Dalton has mediocre team debut

Though Dalton has been an above average QB for the majority of his career, he faces a tall order in Los Angeles. The Rams led all defenses in 2020 in both yardage and points allowed, led by DPOY Aaron Donald. Dalton will find ways to make plays to set his team up with scoring opportunities, but the constant pressure and aggressive play from the Rams at all three levels will make it impossible for him to avoid a few mistakes. He'll cough up a few turnovers in addition to some solid yardage numbers, making it a mediocre performance overall.

1. Chicago fall just short of an upset

Though Chicago should be improved from last season's 8-8 squad, there are chinks in the armor that the Rams will be able to exploit. Neither team will overpower the other, but the Rams, in a way, are similar to the Bears but upgraded at the majority of positions. A solid defense for Chicago is a league-best D in the Rams, and the Rams have similar upgrades in their QB and receiver room as well. Expect a hard-fought battle in Week 1, with the Rams prevailing on a final-drive stop.

PREDICTION: Bears 20, Rams 24