Welcome to the first weekend of the rest of our lives. When Caleb Williams takes the field on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, there’s a common belief that the quarterback is the key to unlocking unfamiliar territory for the Chicago Bears.

This belief is built with the hopes that the Ghosts of Bears QB Past fade into irrelevance, and Caleb Williams lives up to the hype that automatically comes with being a No. 1 overall pick. But he won’t be alone.

Constructed by general manager Ryan Poles and brought together by head coach Matt Eberflus, the 2024 Bears have a new aura, a new vibe, and most importantly, new weapons. On Sunday, it’s all systems go, no holds barred. Win the damn game.

Onto Week 1.

Adam Hoge | Bears 23, Titans 13

I don’t expect the offense to be clicking on all cylinders in Week 1, but I do have a lot of faith in the defense’s ability to turnover Will Levis. I expect the Bears to win the field position battle a lot this season and that will allow them to eventually pull away with their first win of the season.

🔎 GO DEEPER | Check out Adam Hoge’s latest ‘Bears Things’ newsletter detailing the calmness and focus of Caleb Williams ahead of his first professional start.

Nicholas Moreano | Bears 24, Titans 16

The Bears have a roster that is ready to compete, and the emphasis to start off the season fast has been discussed plenty within the walls of Halas Hall. The Bears do that against the Titans at Soldier Field on Sunday. Caleb Williams leans on the talented playmakers on offense and gets the ball out of his hands quickly to mitigate the Titans’ pass rush. Matt Eberflus’ defense makes life difficult for Will Levis, and don’t be surprised if Kyler Gordon creates a turnover in this Week 1 matchup.

📖 READ | Nicholas Moreano’s latest column on the Bears’ need to come away with a victory by any means necessary on Sunday.

Corey Wootton | Bears 28, Titans 14

Solid performance from Caleb Williams and the offense. All the weapons get love. Defense plays well and gives Will Levis fits. Bears W!

Greg Braggs Jr. | Bears 27, Titans 13

This game sets up nicely for 1st-year quarterback Caleb Williams and the 1st-year offense. The Titans have a 1st-year defensive coordinator trying to implement a new system — that will take time and there will be bumps along the way. Their pass rush on the edge doesn’t have much star power which will allow Caleb to do what he does best, climb the pocket, slide out and throw on the move. Expect the Titans to take a lot of chances blitzing on Sunday. Expect Caleb Williams to take advantage.

Flip it to the defensive side for the Bears and again, I think it sets up nicely. Montez Sweat should have a big day but if they choose to allocate extra resources to double Montez, that could set up others along that line like Gervon Dexter Sr. Titans QB Will Levis seems to be in a similar spot as Justin Fields last year. He’s shown flashes but needs to show consistency. Well, there won’t be many windows to throw against this Bears secondary. Expect a turnover or 2 from that unit as the score starts to climb and the Titans have to try to push the ball downfield more.

It’s looking like it could be a religious type experience on Sunday where the Bears might show the world they have a quarterback and a team ready to live up to expectations. I’m excited for us as Bears fans to see it and live it. 

Mark Carman | Bears 30, Titans 17

They are not calling this the Kevin Byard revenge game for nothing. Byard has been talking about this game since he signed with the Bears. Mark him down for at least one interception and a couple of noteworthy hits against his former team. 

Meanwhile, this guy by the name of Caleb Williams finds fellow rookie Rome Odunze for his first touchdown pass as Soldier Field erupts in Bears euphoria. For the first time in forever, the Bears live up to the first game hype. The run to the playoffs begins in style.

Kevin Kaduk | Bears 27, Titans 10

A memorable day on the lakefront as Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze sparkle in their NFL debut by hooking up for a touchdown while the defense maintains form with three turnovers from Will Levis and Co.  It’s going to be a fun year.

Patrick Norton | Bears 20, Titans 16

Two touchdowns, two field goals. Sunday projects to be a gorgeous afternoon on the lakefront, so the Bears’ new-look offense should hardly be hindered by the conditions like in Caleb Williams’ Soldier Field debut during the preseason. I’m not expecting flawless execution on every snap this Sunday, but do your job, work out the kinks, and head to Houston 1-0.

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