Justin Fields can kickstart new era thanks to Bears schedule

May 13, 2023 ndowd

The Chicago Bears put pieces around quarterback Justin Fields this offseason to help him succeed. As it turns out, the team’s schedule will help him out.

The Chicago Bears had the most cap space in the entire league entering 2023, and they used it to bolster their depth throughout the roster. From signing the top linebackers available in free agency with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards to bringing in wide receiver D.J. Moore to give the passing offense a more explosive option downfield.

These moves were made to help out a quarterback who is expected to be the face of the franchise in Justin Fields. He showed promise last year, but the team was the worst in the league, record wise.

Is there another factor that will benefit Fields?

According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Bears have the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL this upcoming season based on win totals. Sharp Football Analysis has the Bears projected win total of 7.6.

Bears projected to have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL next season

For those wondering, here is Chicago’s full schedule for the upcoming season:

Week 1: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 2: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 5: at Washington Commanders
Week 6: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week 7: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 9: at New Orleans Saints
Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 11: at Detroit Lions
Week 12: at Minnesota Vikings
Week 13: BYE
Week 14: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 15: at Cleveland Browns
Week 16: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 17: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week 18: at Green Bay Packers

There are some winnable games for the Bears this upcoming season, giving them a shot to leap back atop the NFC North standings.

After all, the Packers no longer have quarterback Aaron Rodgers starting, as he was traded to the New York Jets this offseason. Now, the Packers will rely on Jordan Love to lead the way. While they are confident in his ability, and the fact that he showed promise in his limited playing time, but it’s unknown how the team will as a whole will perform in 2023. After all, their wide receiver corps is an obvious area of weakness.

This is the chance for Fields to take that leap to show that he is the real deal. It certainly helps that he has better options to target downfield, and a more stout offensive line on paper. The latter is especially important, as Fields was sacked a league-high 55 times last year.

Last year, Fields threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 60.4 percent of his passes. Fields also ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns on 160 carries.

Can the Bears take that step forward and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020? We’ll find out at season’s end. But, they have the odds in their favor.

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