This 5-Game Stretch Will Make Or Break The 2023 Chicago Bears

People talk about the strength of schedule all the time. The Chicago Bears supposedly had an easy slate last season, but it turned into one of the toughest in the league. Once again, people insist the 2023 schedule is easier. No self-respecting Bears fan should accept that. In this situation, the best thing to do is to believe every game will be tough. Things can be measured best by pinpointing the sections of games that may be the hardest to navigate, not only due to the opponents but also where and when the games are played.

When evaluating the Bears' 2023 lineup, it becomes abundantly clear where the most treacherous stretch of games will be. It occurs between October 29th and November 27th and features two playoff teams from last year and four road games in five weeks.

• At Los Angeles Chargers (SNF)
• At New Orleans Saints
• Vs. Carolina Panthers (TNF)
• At Detroit Lions
• At Minnesota Vikings (MNF)

It starts with traveling to the west coast for a night game. That in itself is tough, given the travel distance. Then the Bears have to play in the Superdome, one of the loudest road venues in the league. Before they can even catch their breath, four days later they have their only home game against Carolina. Then it's back on the road to Detroit, where they were battered 41-10 by the Lions last year. Finally, it's a trip to U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings have won each of the last two meetings.

The Chicago Bears will show who they are during that stretch.

It is far from inconceivable they lose all five of those games. It's that daunting. The Chargers have a good team led by a very good quarterback in Justin Herbert. New Orleans has a strong defense, plenty of weapons and added Derek Carr at quarterback. Carolina is beatable, but the short turnaround creates far less certainty. The Lions are trending up, with many seeing them as favorites for the division. Minnesota still has formidable players led by Justin Jefferson and will be at home.

It would be enough to keep their season afloat if the Chicago Bears can somehow navigate that gauntlet with even a 2-3 record. Things ease up on paper after that with more home games and weaker opponents. This happened last year too. The Bears had four road games in five weeks. They went 1-4 and never recovered. The feeling is this roster is more talented than before. The coaching staff is in complete control with their schemes. If good health prevails and Justin Fields keeps improving, they may navigate those stormy waters this year.