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The Chicago Bears are coming into the 2020 NFL season as a relatively unknown quantity in the NFC North. After an incredibly disappointing 2019 season that saw the Bears finish with an 8-8 record and missing the playoffs, the Bears made some intriguing moves this offseason.
Among the intriguing moves was Ryan Pace going out and trading a fourth-round pick for veteran quarterback Nick Foles. That was an obvious move that showed a lack of faith in Mitchell Trubisky as the team's long-term starting quarterback. Chicago still has a top-notch defense, but they need their offense to keep pace in order to compete in a stacked NFC.
Trubisky did end up winning the starting job to begin the season. However, it is expected that he will be on a very short leash. If he struggles or gets off to a slow start in the first two or three games, Foles is going to get an opportunity to take the job.
Speaking of the defense, Khalil Mack is also looking to come back with a much bigger year. He only recorded 8.5 sacks last season, although he also chipped in five forced fumbles. Akiem Hicks is back healthy, which is a huge boost for the defense, but they need to get back to forcing turnovers and helping put Trubisky and the offense in good positions.
All of that being said, let's take a look at three bold predictions for the Chicago Bears in their Week 1 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
3. Khalil Mack Racks Up Two Sacks And A Forced Fumble
Anyone who knows the work that Mack puts into the game should know that he is going to be out to prove a point this week. Against a Lions' offensive line that has a lot of talent, Mack is going to wreak havoc.
Matthew Stafford is a really good and underrated quarterback, but Mack is going to give him headaches. With the Bears having a healthy defense again, Chuck Pagano will be sending a ton of pressure at the Lions. Mack will make the most of his opportunities.
Mack will record two sacks in the game and will also force a fumble. The defense will look strong once again and will put Trubisky in quite a few very good situations.
2. Chicago Sees What They Are Hoping For From Trubisky
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This is a make-or-break season for Mitchell Trubisky. The addition of Foles as his backup proves that. If he wants to remain with the Bears past this season, it's now or never for Trubisky to prove that he deserves the opportunity.
Detroit has a very weak secondary following the offseason trade of Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles. They did sign Desmond Trufant after he was released by the Atlanta Falcons, but there are still a ton of holes. Trubisky will make the most of those holes this week.
Trubisky will end up throwing for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. They aren't going to be the biggest numbers ever, but they will be enough to make the Bears feel comfortable keeping Trubisky as their starting quarterback moving forward this season.
1. The Bears Pull Out A Win In A Nail-Biter
Finally, and most importantly, the Bears are going to end up getting the win this week. Beating the Lions isn't necessarily a huge deal, but getting off to a strong start this season will be important for Chicago.
Behind strong performances from Trubisky and Mack, both sides of the football will look good. The win won't come easy, but they will make the necessary plays down the stretch. Chicago will end up sealing the game on the final few possessions.
We are predicting that the Bears will win this Week 1 matchup by a final score of 28-24.
