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.

Trap game because the Bears always had to win games by miracle plays last year and that should give them confidence in miracles always happening? I’m not buying that. Knowing you can do that in any game gives you confidence. Knowing you have to do it in every game does not.

After we trade Kmet to the Panthers, it will be a revenge game too.

7 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

After we trade Kmet to the Panthers, it will be a revenge game too.

LOL good point

I think it's hard to have a trap game when its opening day. And especially with a coach like Johnson. He started 0-2 last year, and Im SURE he is thinking he doesnt want to repeat that!

OK Im starting to get excited for the season.

I missed where we traded Kmet? BJ is a maniac and he attracts players with his mentality . He will not let this game get away from him no matter who it is or where its at. Panthers is a winnable game and expect us to win. I know BJ isnt worried about it, why should any fans?

2 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

I missed where we traded Kmet? BJ is a maniac and he attracts players with his mentality . He will not let this game get away from him no matter who it is or where its at. Panthers is a winnable game and expect us to win. I know BJ isnt worried about it, why should any fans?

They did not. Someone made a fake X with Schefter saying Carolina is trading for Kmet June 1.

Heck, I remember that he was a prime trade candidate last year and definitely getting cut this year. He's still a captain and most importantly, still here.

1 hour ago, Mongo3451 said:

Heck, I remember that he was a prime trade candidate last year and definitely getting cut this year. He's still a captain and most importantly, still here.

well his level of play got a LOT better this past season. hes played himself into a role. I still think this is probably his last year with the Bears, given the Roush pick.

But we all discussed his progress all during the year last season.

2 hours ago, Mongo3451 said:

Heck, I remember that he was a prime trade candidate last year and definitely getting cut this year. He's still a captain and most importantly, still here.

And a team leader. BJ was a TE coach before he became an OC and he loves complete TEs. He drafted one after having 2 in the building. The premise that Roush was drafted to replace Kmet is fictional. Eventual that will happen but not this year and I would assume they renegotiate Kmet's contract to make it a more favorable cap space deal. IMO

1 hour ago, Stinger226 said:

The premise that Roush was drafted to replace Kmet is fictional.

I wish I had your inside info lol

Everyone is drafted to replace someone.