A bit early, but what else can we do to kill time waiting for camp to open?

There was an article on NFL.com predicting the outcome of every regular-season game to be played in 2026. The authors of the predictions were two guys I'm unfamiliar with, Ali Bhanpuri & Tom Blair.

These guys were generous with their predictions for the Bears. One had us at 10 wins; the other at 11. Both had us winning the NFC North title again. One had us going into the playoffs as the #2 seed; the other as the #3 seed.

What really surprised me was how optimistic they were compared to so many other doom-and-gloom predictors. Yet they both had the Bears losing to Carolina in our season opener.

If we lose our opener, I would be so depressed. Carolina??? Seriously?

Your prediction?

I think Vegas has the Bears favored in 12 games, but the over under on wins is 9.5 LOL Make it make sense.

I think the answer to your question Pix, is that a lot of prognosticators are cynical about our chances. I myself am pretty optimistic about this season. I dont know how they predict us to lose that one. Vegas has us as 2 1/2 point faves n that game, on the road. So 5 points at a neutral site.

I just think people, have a hard time really feeling that the bears are a for real good team.

Yes we got turnovers we wont get this year as they will say, but our defense is a lot better for speed and coverage, and we will be better vs the run.

Johnson's in year 2, so I think we beat Carolina. But things happen, teams arent ready, or its a weird day, and we can still win 11 or more games even if we drop Carolina. Last year we lost the first two and managed 11 after that with a team that was inferior to this one in so many ways. Caleb coming into year 3, and year 2 with Johnson, more speed and coverage on the D. I think it looks pretty good for this team. They just have to reach out and take it. And I cant imagine them not being in that mindset with Johnson around.

Also, there has to be an Edge player coming, right? And maybe a LT?

On 5/22/2026 at 12:06 AM, Pixote said:

A bit early, but what else can we do to kill time waiting for camp to open?

There was an article on NFL.com predicting the outcome of every regular-season game to be played in 2026. The authors of the predictions were two guys I'm unfamiliar with, Ali Bhanpuri & Tom Blair.

These guys were generous with their predictions for the Bears. One had us at 10 wins; the other at 11. Both had us winning the NFC North title again. One had us going into the playoffs as the #2 seed; the other as the #3 seed.

What really surprised me was how optimistic they were compared to so many other doom-and-gloom predictors. Yet they both had the Bears losing to Carolina in our season opener.

If we lose our opener, I would be so depressed. Carolina??? Seriously?

Your prediction?

The Panthers were 8-9 last year but somehow beat the Rams, Packers, and Cowboys.

I think with a lot of predictions, people come up with a number, then have to figure out how those play out instead of treating each game individually. The Panthers haven't won in Week 1 since 2021. Bryce Young has played in 3 Week 1 games, in each one, he has thrown 2 INTs, averaged 154 yards passing.

The last time the Bears played CAR was in 2024, where the Bears won 36-10. I would be shocked if they lose.

As much as we have a better roster, Carolina at home will not be an easy game. They have a weakness with the run defense and we have to exploit that.

They (the 2 authors of the article) were suggesting it would be a 'trap game.'

If we lose a game this year because the players thought they could take a game off and win, I would be all ugly on BJ and his staff. BJ should have these guys fired up. Trap games are, IMO, the fault of the HC & staff for failing to sense their team's mood and motivate them.

I'd be totally disappointed if the players don't show everyone we deserve their respect.