The Chicago Bears deserve credit for what they accomplished in September. Their start to the season couldn't have gone worse. They coughed up a 17-6 lead to lose against Minnesota in the opener, then got railroaded by a red-hot Detroit team 52-21. Previous Bears teams would've folded their tent after that. Instead, they rallied to crush Dallas 31-24, then overcame a poor start in Las Vegas to escape with a 25-24 win. Now they head into the bye week at 2-2 with a chance to catch their breath and get key guys back healthy.
Meanwhile, fortunes might be turning in their favor elsewhere. Several of their upcoming opponents are dealing with big injuries to key players. Joe Burrow is already out for three months with the Cincinnati Bengals due to turf toe. Now the New York Giants have lost star wide receiver Malik Nabers to a torn ACL. It doesn't stop there. The Baltimore Ravens' defense is reeling from multiple key losses. Stud interior pass rusher Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the year with a neck problem. Now, Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey are ailing with injuries that will sideline them for multiple weeks.
The Chicago Bears are well-positioned to take advantage.
After a high-stakes rematch against Washington out of the bye week, they face the Saints, Bengals, Ravens, and Giants in succession. It isn't crazy to think the Chicago Bears should win three of those four, especially with the recent injury updates. They will be healthier themselves with Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, Darnell Wright, and Jaylon Johnson all expected to return during that stretch. If the Bears believe they can be a winning team, this is something they must capitalize on.
After all, their schedule gets way tougher after that with the Vikings, Steelers, Eagles, Packers, Lions, and 49ers looming in November and December. Not to mention a tough Browns team. If Chicago enters that stretch without a winning record, they are likely doomed.
