The Bears kick off their home opener this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, entering the game as 3.5-point favorites—a position they’re not often in. Here are my three bold predictions for this Week 1 matchup.
Jaylon Johnson shines
I think the Bears defense will give Will Levis and the Titans offense a lot of trouble, but the biggest challenge for Levis will likely be facing star cornerback Jaylon Johnson. My first bold prediction is that Johnson will intercept Levis twice in this game. I expect Johnson to bait Levis into some throws and make key plays, much like he did last season.
D'Andre Swift starts off hot
The Bears made a quick first move in free agency by signing running back D'Andre Swift. I believe this decision will pay off right from Week 1, as I expect Swift to have a significant role in both the running and passing game. My prediction is that Swift will gain over 100 all-purpose yards against the Titans in the opener.
Caleb Williams struggles early
Maybe I’m just hoping for the opposite, because trust me, I want the Bears to blow the doors off Tennessee. However, I think Caleb Williams might struggle early on, possibly in the first quarter or even the whole first half, since he's still a rookie. It could be similar to his slow start against the Bengals, where there were communication issues with his helmet. But I do believe that at some point, Williams and the offense will find their rhythm and take control. While I expect a slow start, the talent will eventually shine and electrify Soldier Field.
Final Score Prediction
Bears 24 Titans 17
