In the sixth of a 32-part series, we are featuring all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Here are the Chicago Bears.
Key off Season Acquisitions
There are six new Bears this season. In trades, Chicago acquired offensive lineman Ryan Bates of Langhorne, Pennsylvania from the Buffalo Bills for a fifth round pick in 2024, and wide receiver Keenan Allen of Greensboro, North Carolina from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth round pick in 2024. Meanwhile, the three key free agents were running back D’Andre Swift of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (three years, $24 million), safety Kevin Byard of Philadelphia (two years, $15 million), and tight end Gerald Everett of Atlanta, Georgia (two years, $12 million).
Meanwhile, with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams from USC. The fact they drafted a quarterback was not surprising because they traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh.
Allen has spent the last 11 seasons with the Chargers and was a Pro Bowler six times. In 2023, he had 108 catches for 1243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Bates, meanwhile has spent the last five seasons with the Bills.
Swift, the former Lion, had 1049 rushing yards and five touchdown catches, along with 39 catches for 214 receiving yards and another major score last season with the Eagles. Byard had 122 combined tackles (80 solo tackles and 42 assisted tackles), one interception, one fumble recovery and three pass deflections with the Eagles and Titans. Everett had 51 catches for 411 receiving yards and three touchdowns with the Chargers.. He now leaves the west coast after also playing for the Rams and Seahawks.
Fantasy Stars
There are no Bears players ranked in the top 10 at any fantasy position.
Projected Finish
Chicago should improve in the NFC North, but not drastically. The Packers, Vikings and Lions are all simply better and more established than the Bears. Expect a return to the basement with a quarterback who has a lot to learn.
