CBS States Chicago Bears Fans Are Way Too Optimistic About 2024

The Chicago Bears made big strides last season. Their defense went from one of the NFL's worst to one nobody wanted to play in the space of a few months. Offensively, D.J. Moore put together one of the best seasons in franchise history. Cole Kmet had another good year. Even the offensive line showed steady improvement. Despite a 2-6 start to the season, the team still managed to finish 7-10. Lots of momentum was built going into the 2024 off-season. On paper, they have gotten even better.

D'Andre Swift adds explosiveness as a running back. Keenan Allen is another study they get to pair with Moore. Gerald Everett is a perfect #2 behind Kmet. Kevin Byard also brings more stability at safety following Eddie Jackson's departure. Yet none of this seems to have impressed the people over at CBS Sports. Not only do they believe Bears fans are too optimistic about this coming season, but they stated the team will finish with a losing record once again. The primary reason for this?

They will be starting a rookie quarterback.

Chicago Bears: Under 9 (-130)

Many believe the Bears are finally on the right track. They ditched Justin Fields for Caleb Williams, added D'Andre Swift at running back and welcomed Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze at receiver. The offensive line is solid when healthy and the defense is underrated. It's not a bad landing spot for a rookie quarterback, but a win total of nine for Chicago seems pretty high. The Bears have reached double-digit wins just once in the last decade. Are we penciling in Williams as the next C.J. Stroud too quickly?

I'm not wishing disappointment on Bears fans, but we have to understand it's a possibility. While the Bears weren't the worst team in the NFL last year, quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall haven't surpassed six wins in their first season since Andrew Luck went 11-5 in 2012. Matt Eberflus was already on the hot seat, and then we'll have to see if new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can be 2024's version of Bobby Slowik.

The Chicago Bears' hopes rest on Caleb Williams.

They went 7-10 last year with subpar quarterback play. One can understand why fans are hopeful. It's not like Williams has to be a star for this team to win. Justin Fields failed to crack 3,000 yards passing and had only 16 touchdowns. It shouldn't be a challenge for Williams to eclipse those numbers, presuming he stays healthy. He has a terrific supporting cast around him that should make life easier. Shane Waldron already has a proven track record for crafting a scheme that works to his quarterback's strengths.

Much of this depends on two groups: the offensive and defensive lines. The Chicago Bears need to protect Williams if he's going to have any shot at excelling this year. Conversely, there are concerns about whether the team has enough bodies outside of Montez Sweat who can rush the passer. If both units can perform at a high level, this team has the skill players to make a playoff push. The early schedule is easy. It will be the second half, inhabited by several tough divisional games, that will decide everything.