Why Bears Could Be Lone NFC North Unbeaten After Week 1 with Titans sensational star QB battles still on
With the Green Bay Packers about to open play against Philadelphia in Brazil Friday night, it’s time to take stock of the NFC North.
Most preseason predictions about the division agree on the Lions, then the Packers, then the Bears and finally the Vikings. Oddmakers have seen it this way since the end of April. It’s no different in a roundtable of the On SI publishers within the NFC North.
How they start the season might differ from team to team. Based on the severity of the challenge, it might not be shocking if the Bears come out of the first week of games as the only unbeaten team in the NFC North.
How favorable is the matchup?: Not many teams would have been a better matchup for Caleb Williams in his regular-season debut. The Titans are a team rebuilding with a new coach, with a different style of defense using a 3-4 now and shouldn’t enjoy some of the advantages defenses normally have over the rookie because they could be as confused as he is in their new approach to football. The Titans’ strength is their receiver group of veterans Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd and DeAndre Hopkins but they’re going against the secondary that tied for the NFL lead in interceptions.
What is the biggest Week 1 Bears concern?: The blitzing that the Titans likely will use against Williams could be an issue as he said picking up when these are coming is one of the areas he needs to improve. It probably rates just above stopping running back Tony Pollard, who chewed up the Bears for 131 yards and three TDs last time they saw him with Dallas.
How favorable is the matchup?: Not very. The Eagles won the NFC in 2022 and seemed on their way back to the Super Bowl when they started 10-1 in 2023. In response, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni replaced both of his coordinators, with Kellen Moore taking over the offense and Vic Fangio running the defense. But this is a great measuring stick because the Packers think they have a powerhouse, too. Can the Jordan Love-led passing game take advantage of the Eagles’ young cornerbacks?
The Packers have a new defensive coordinator, with Jeff Hafley leaving Boston College to replace Joe Barry. What a test he’ll face right off the bat. The Eagles’ offense is loaded. Even without Jason Kelce, the offensive line is a powerhouse. Saquon Barkley will boost what already was a superb running game. And dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts has a pair of 1,000-yard receivers, indomitable A.J. Green and speedster Devonta Smith, along with tight end Dallas Goedert and new slot receiver Jahan Dotson.
