The Chicago Bears will host the Tennessee Titans to kick off the 2024 NFL season, where the Bears are looking to start the Caleb Williams era on a high note.
Chicago hasn't been at their best in season openers in recent history (going 2-8 in the past decade), but there's reason to believe that will change this year. The Bears have talent across the board on offense (including new additions Williams, Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift), as well as a potential top-10 defense returning most of its starters (including Pro Bowlers Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson) from last year.
Can Chicago take care of business at home in Williams' first regular-season start? Our Bears Wire staff share their game picks for Sunday's matchup.
Alyssa Barbieri (0-0): Bears 27, Titans 20
There's a ton of hype surrounding the Bears heading into the 2024 NFL season, and opening the season at home is definitely an ideal way to kick off the Caleb Williams era. At first glance, this feels like it should be an easy win for Chicago. But you can't underestimate this Tennessee squad under the guidance of new head coach Brian Callahan and these offensive pieces, including receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, as well as running back Tony Pollard, who replaces the departed Derrick Henry. Not to mention, the Titans improved their defense, which already featured a dominant defensive tackle in Jeffery Simmons, with the additions of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and linebacker Ernest Jones.
The Bears offense will face a tall order against this Tennessee defense, but the key will be making things as comfortable as possible for Williams. Chicago wants Williams to lean on his playmakers, including DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, and not wait for a play to develop. Leaning on a steady rushing attack with D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson should also help.
This feels like a game where the Bears defense can make an early statement. They have a talented secondary that is capable of contending with the likes of Hopkins, Ridley and Boyd, as well as a run defense capable of shutting down Pollard. This will come down to whether the defensive front can get pressure on second-year quarterback Will Levis, and if they do, that should be game.
It feels weird to say this in Week 1, but this game almost feels like a must-win when you look at Chicago's schedule over the next three weeks: on the road against the Texans in prime time (Week 2) and the Colts (Week 3) and hosting an underrated Rams team (Week 4). The Bears need to start the season off strong, unlike last year's lackluster affair against the rival Packers. But looking at this 2024 squad, it definitely feels like they're in the right headspace. They're not buying into the hype, they know they haven't earned anything yet and they have the roster to get the job done on the lakefront on Sunday.
Brendan Sugrue (0-0): Bears 23, Titans 17
I’m a big believer in momentum, and despite the Bears not playing a regular-season game yet, they have it. They rolled through the preseason with a 4-0 record for the first time since 1994 and went undefeated in the preseason for the first time since 2022. In both of those seasons, they won their Week 1 contest.
Aside from momentum, though, this Bears team can beat the Titans, even though it’s not going to be the easiest game. Tennessee’s defense has improved, particularly in the secondary with the arrival of L’Jarius Sneed. He, along with Roger McCreary and Chidobe Awuzie, are a formidable matchup for the Bears’ wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. Caleb Williams may not have the greatest debut, but he can do enough by relying on the running game and his tight ends if his receivers are getting blanketed.
This game will come down to the Titans offense against the Bears defense. Chicago has a clear advantage over Tennessee and could make Will Levis’ day a nightmare with their impressive linebacking corps and secondary. The Bears have the corners to shut down DeAndre Hopkins (who is reportedly playing through a torn MCL), Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd. If their front four can generate pressure, it’s a wrap.
The offense will do just enough while the defense makes sure the Bears get the win. It’s a familiar plan for fans, but one that won’t last forever.
Lucas Hunt (0-0): Bears 20, Titans 13
The wait is over! The Bears have woken up from their several month long hibernation and are primed to take on the visiting Titans at Soldier Field this Sunday. Before we get hung up on every pass, run, and play this weekend, let's just take a moment to appreciate that football is back.
Okay, with that out of the way, let's break down this Week 1 matchup. I have Chicago winning 20-13 in a low scoring affair, which may come as a surprise for some. It's widely perceived that the offense is going to show immediate improvement, but I just don’t see that same seamless jump like some others do. I think the offense will be spinning its wheels in the turf as they continue to coalesce the new skill players, offensive coordinator, and rookie QB, resulting in a more defensive battle. When it comes to defenses however, I think the Bears will come out of the locker room and hit the ground running, wasting no time in picking up where they left off last year. They've played with each other for a long time, saw virtually no change in the offseason, and they're talent is top notch. The Titans offense is going to have work for every yard, because Chicago's defense is determined to not give an inch.
Fans may come out of Week 1 feeling frustrated with the offense even after a win, but let me say this now: Caleb Williams is extremely talented, but he's still a rookie. Making flashy throws in the preseason doesn’t mean he'll be dissecting real coverages like Peyton Manning in just his first game. Let the guy get his feet wet and enjoy what the rest of the team will bring Sunday.
Vinnie Parise (0-0): Bears 20, Titans 17
The Bears are coming into 2024 with a lot of hype. They drafted quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze in the top 10 in addition to some other great pieces over the offseason. It is fair to have all of the excitement in the world for the direction of this franchise.With that said, it is hard to see them easily taking care of business in their first regular season game as currently constructed. It may take some time to jell on both offense and defense. They could beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, but taking it by a field goal feels more likely than anything.
The Titans may not be what they were when they were the AFC’s one seed in back to back years but they are still solid. Even if the talent keeps them from having a winning season, they will play every game hard.If the Bears run the ball, play solid defense, and protect Williams in his first NFL game, they will squeak out a win. If they don’t, Tennessee may surprise some people. Hopefully, being at home gives them that slight edge that they need.
Mike Pendleton (0-0): Bears 27, Titans 17
The Bears could certainly get caught by surprise with this new-look Tennessee Titans offense. However, being at home in Chicago with the Caleb Williams era set to begin and plenty of weapons on offense, the Bears could, and should, be firing on all cylinders from the beginning.
It is easy to point out that Williams will have a ton of pressure on him as his NFL career begins, but Titans quarterback Will Levis also has a ton of pressure. With the team adding several playmakers around him and letting Derrick Henry walk, Levis is the focus of their offense and they’ll only go as far as he takes them. If the Bears can force Levis into bad decisions and rushed throws, the Bears should take this game with ease.
Preston Comer (0-0): Bears 24, Titans 17
The Bears and a young Caleb Williams could be taken by surprise a bit in the first half against the Titans. If Levis and Tennessee’s Hopkins-Ridley-Boyd trio come out of the gates strong, they could make this a game. Chicago’s secondary and pass rushers need to be able to force Will Levis into uncomfortable throws.
Williams will have the support of Soldier Field behind him and one of the best situations a rookie quarterback has ever stepped into. If Williams can share the wealth and come out firing on all cylinders, the Bears should have no issues. Chicago wins.
