The Chicago Bears have a chance to become only the sixth team in the Super Bowl era to hold the #1 overall pick in the draft two years in a row. While not a great look for their franchise's state, it gives them a golden opportunity to infuse their roster with more great talent. It feels like 2024 could be an important one, with two quarterbacks viewed as excellent prospects for teams needing one. That would be a safe bet since Justin Fields' time in Chicago appears to be winding down. However, acquiring the top pick is never easy.
One team appears to be a major obstacle to the Bears' ambitions. That is the Arizona Cardinals. They have a 1-8 record this season, which is the worst in the NFL. They currently control the rights to the 1st pick. Unless they can somehow deliver a couple of victories in the coming weeks, the only hope the Bears have of catching them is if Carolina somehow is just as bad. Thankfully, it appears the dynamic could be about to change.
Reports from NFL insiders say that Arizona's two best offensive players are set to return. Quarterback Kyler Murray will finally make his return after his season-ending injury last year. Running back James Conner is also on track to join him.
The Chicago Bears need to beat Carolina.
If they want to keep the race interesting, taking down the Panthers on Thursday Night Football is necessary. Arizona has some winnable games coming up. Atlanta just lost to a Kirk Cousins-less Vikings team. Then they go to Houston, the only team to lose to Carolina this season. Lastly, they head home to face a 3-6 Los Angeles Rams team. The Cardinals were competitive in several games when Conner ran the ball, beating Dallas and narrowly losing to the Giants. If Murray can regain some of his old form from 2021, that team might get two or three wins down the stretch.
Generally, teams that finish with three wins or fewer on a season end up holding the #1 or #2 picks. The Chicago Bears proved that last year by going 3-14. Carolina is better positioned to do that than they are. Their roster was already limited in several ways, but injuries have also taken a toll in recent weeks. Nothing is ever predictable about this stuff. The Giants and Patriots are also in the mix. Things should come into focus by the start of December.
