Well, this should be interesting.
The Chicago Bears are 1-5, a massive civic disappointment after a lot of offseason hype. Justin Fields in on the sidelines with a dislocated thumb and rookie Tyson Bagent — who was starting a Division II game at this time last year — is waiting in the wings.
Can the Bears upset a 3-3 Raiders team that will be playing without starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo? Here’s how we see this one shaking out …
Adam Hoge (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 16
What do I expect from Tyson Bagent? I expect him to get the ball out quickly and surprise folks with a few accurate intermediate throws. But given all the issues up front, and Bagent’s inexperience, I’d be surprised if the Bears don’t turn the ball over at least twice. It’s just what happens when rookies play quarterback in the NFL.
Nicholas Moreano (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 17
What a matchup we’ll see on Sunday between the 1-5 Bears and 3-3 Raiders. Both teams will feature their backup quarterbacks, and this game will no doubt be used as a future trivia question somewhere.
“What quarterbacks started for the Bears in their Week 7 matchup during the 2023 season?”
The Bears had no answer for the Vikings’ defense a week ago, and now an effort-filled Maxx Crosby comes to Solider Field to wreak havoc on Tyson Bagent and whoever is playing right tackle for the Bears.
It’s time to start another losing streak.
Corey Wootton (2-4) — Raiders 24, Bears 17
Battle of the Backup QBs. Getsy’s playcalling continues to limit the Bears. Drop another game and continue their struggles.
Will DeWitt (3-3) — Raiders 17, Bears 13
I don’t expect this game to be pretty, but I do expect it to be close. The Bears will struggle more on offense than the Raiders will mostly due to their offensive line being in shambles. Oh … and Maxx Crosby. I don’t have hope in the Bears’ red-zone defense, which hasn’t proven it can stop anyone inside the 20. That’s going to lead to some too-easy points allowed, which will be just enough to cost the Bears the game.
Greg Braggs Jr. (2-4) — Bears 28, Raiders 20
The one thing this city does best is a good, old-fashioned quarterback controversy. So I have no no doubt that the Secret Bagent Man will have a good game and lead the Bears to victory. Thus the entire city falling in love with the backup QB, as per tradition. The defense also has shown some signs of life with the return of Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson to the secondary. Former Bear and current backup for the Raiders, Brian Hoyer, also makes the start for a battle of the backups which plays right into my prediction. The only question is the health of the offensive line for the Bears. With Darnell Wright listed on the injury report the last two days may sway the favor to the Raiders with Maxx Crosby lining up across from them. If they can’t stop him it could be a long day for the Bears. Nonetheless, I’m predicting a big day from Tyson Bagent and the offense just to further enrage Bears fans about the quarterback position. The only thing the Bears have been consistent about in my lifetime.
Mark Carman (3-3) — Bears 26, Raiders 20
Alright. This is no time not to believe in Secret Bagent Man. The Raiders being favored by 2.5 points is giving me the same thoughts as last week with Minnesota, but I am sticking with the Bears. The defense continues to play well. Bagent creates a QB controversy.
Kevin Kaduk (2-4) — Raiders 20, Bears 13
I again want to zig while the others are zagging, but the Bears don’t deserve any faith right now. Tyson Bagent may have a few flashes, but it’s going to be a long day on offense with all the shuffling going on up front.
Jake Flannigan (1-5) — Bears 17, Raiders 13
After more than a full calendar year, the Bears say goodbye to a franchise worst nine-It is what it is. I believe the Bears are the better team, but it’s going to take a clean game from the rookie QB to pull out the home win.
