Think of all the brutal backup quarterbacks who’ve come through Chicago in their careers. Todd Collins, Jason Campbell, Matt Barkley, Jimmy Clausen…
Nathan Peterman — the QB famous for throwing five interceptions in the first half of his first NFL start — started a game for the Bears in 2023.
Trevor Siemian started for the Bears the last time they played the Jets back in 2022.
What a difference just a couple of years can make.
Let’s dive into Week 4.
WEEK 4 PREDICTIONS
Adam Hoge (2-1) | Bears 24, Jets 13
The Jets have been frisky this season, but the Bears have been dominant offensively when not playing in the pouring rain. My gut tells me Tyson Bagent gets the start and plays well enough to get the win. The defense will find a way to turnover Geno Smith, who hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season.
Adam Jahns (2-1) | Bears 30, Jets 20
Part of me feels like this will be a low-scoring game. But I’m still trying to recalibrate to the world of Ben Johnson. The Bears offense will score points with Caleb Williams, Case Keenum or Tyson Bagent. The run game will work — even if it takes until the second half. And the Bears defense will still take the ball away behind defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and secondary coach Al Harris.
Mark Carman (0-3) | Bears 31, Jets 23
When you start 0-3, the first thing you need to do is get to 1-3. Nothing would feel better than 17 leading the way to my first win of the year as a self-proclaimed “me” guy. The Jets are no gimme. The defense is real. Trust in Ben. Believe in Tyson. Colston Loveland has a day. Mark it down.
Patrick Norton (1-2) | Bears 25, Jets 24
Did you know the Bears are 0-3 under Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen when the defense fails to force a takeaway? The Jets have only turned it over once this season.
But it’s Geno Smith, right? We’ve seen him play enough football to know that at some point Sunday, he’ll be good for a couple two tree interception-worthy passes.
Greg Braggs Jr. (2-1) | Bears 34, Jets 17
New quarterback, same result. This time it’s Tyson Bagent’s turn — probably. But in the event Ben Johnson picks Case Keenum to start — which would surprise me — you can keep the score the same. This offense is going to score points no matter what. What a time to be alive.
Stephen Nicholas (1-2) | Bears 34, Jets 17
For the second straight week, an undrafted QB will start and win a game for the Bears. No idea who it will be. For the Bears to take care of business, linebacker Devin Bush could be crucial in coverage, particularly against Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Speed against speed.
On offense, it’s the Luther Burden III breakout game I’ve been waiting for. Give me the over on his 45.5 receiving yards. Bears coast in this one and make the Jets look pedestrian — something the Packers and Lions didn’t do in one-score games.
Joey Christopoulos (2-1) | Bears 21, Jets 20
Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum, Johnny Utah, Frank Cushman, Jon Moxon, Matt Saracen. Give Ben Johnson a QB, put ’em in Soldier Field and you’ve gotta like your chances.
Corey Wootton (1-2) | Bears 28, Jets 14
Bears continue to build the momentum offensively, getting multiple receivers and tight ends involved. Defensively, they scheme up pressures to get to Geno Smith.
