Why Chicago Bears' Path To The Playoffs Isn't As Daunting As It Looks

Not many are sure what to expect from the Chicago Bears this season. This isn't the same team that finished 3-14 last year. That group was gutted across the entire roster by GM Ryan Poles, who was intent on unloading every older veteran and expensive contract he could. He and head coach Matt Eberflus wanted to build the team their way. After another busy off-season, the Bears do look better on paper. They still have areas of concern, but the star power and depth have both improved. What many can't say for sure is how much better they are.

Even in the weakened NFC, most still think they aren't ready to compete. Predictions range from 6-11 to 8-9. While that isn't surprising, it's not considering one overlooked fact. This might be the easiest quarterback slate the Bears have played in years. Take a look at some of their opponents this season just based on that position.

• Week 1: Jordan Love - One career start
• Week 2: Baker Mayfield - 2-8 over the last two seasons as a starter
• Week 5: Sam Howell - One career start
• Week 10: Bryce Young - Rookie
• Week 16: Joshua Dobbs - Career backup who is 0-2 as a starter
• Week 17: Desmond Ridder - Only four career starts
• Week 18: Jordan Love again

From the opposing quarterback standpoint, these are seven games the Bears should win. That group is either highly inexperienced or underwhelmed as a starter in the past. If Chicago were to take care of business, that would mean they only need three wins in their other ten games to have a reasonable shot at the postseason.

The Chicago Bears have a golden opportunity.

Three of their first five games come against three of those quarterbacks. If they handle their business in those contests and can take down either Kansas City or Denver in one of the others, that makes for a 4-1 start to the season. Good starts are pivotal to winning seasons, especially when the Bears are involved. Their last three playoff runs saw them get off to 5-1, 3-1, and 4-1 starts respectively. Momentum is everything, and this soft quarterback schedule offers them a chance to build it right out of the gate.

If the Chicago Bears are a better team, they should be able to seize the opportunity. Two factors must be met. Justin Fields must play better at quarterback, and the defense has to do their part. They can't afford another year when they manage only 20 sacks. NFL seasons are unpredictable. We all know this. For all we know, injuries could slam the Bears, and they can finish with another bad record. Or they could pull a 2001, go on a crazy run to finish with 13 wins to claim the NFC North crown.

If that is to happen, this feels like the schedule necessary to pull it off.