NFC North Predictions for 2023: Vikings roar while Lions cower
By Adam Patrick
2nd Place in the NFC North
Chicago Bears
- Final Record: 10-7
- Division Record: 3-3
Yes, the Chicago Bears. A team with one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Fields. We saw Jalen Hurts take a significant step in his development last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Fields has the potential to do something very similar with the Bears in 2023.
It took a bit of time, but it seemed like Chicago finally figured out the correct way to use Fields in their offense last season. He's a major threat with his legs, but the addition of wide receiver D.J. Moore this offseason could help make the young quarterback a serious threat with his arm as well this year.
Even when Fields was playing out of his mind last season, the Bears didn't have much of a chance, thanks to their beyond-terrible defense (32nd in points allowed).
In Chicago's second season under head coach Matt Eberflus, one would assume the defense will at least begin to take some steps in the right direction. The Bears certainly spent enough money in free agency this year to at least improve the talent level of their defense (over $109 million).
Chicago is probably going to surprise some people this season, including the three other teams in their division.