Already looking forward to the Bears’ 2017 season? Say no more.
Upon the conclusion of the 2016 season, the Bears’ 2017 opponents were already set. You can check out every NFL team’s 2017 regular schedule here.
Now that we know the Bears will get a look at the NFC South and AFC North in 2017, here is a quick look at the home/road split:
The 2017 Bears schedule will feature four teams (Packers, Lions, Falcons, Steelers) that made the playoffs in 2016, three teams (Buccaneers, Ravens, Vikings) that missed the playoffs despite finishing 8-8 or better and three teams (Browns, 49ers, Panthers) that finished 2016 with 10 or more losses.
Even though the Bears have a last-place schedule on the horizon, there will be some stiff competition in 2017 – primarily at the quarterback position.
Not only will the Bears see Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford twice, they also have matchups against Ben Roethlisberger (four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl win) Cam Newton (2015 MVP), Drew Brees (2009 Super Bowl MVP, nine-time Pro Bowler), Matt Ryan (three Pro Bowl appearances), Joe Flacco (2012 Super Bowl MVP) and Andy Dalton (two Pro Bowls). Even the young quarterback talent the Bears will face presents a formidable challenge, with former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston (a 2015 Pro Bowl selection) and Carson Wentz (the No. 2 overall selection from the 2016 draft).
It’s probably too early to start making major projections for the 2017 season, but it is apparent the 2017 Bears will have their work cut out for them whenever the season opener comes around.