Mock drafts are being produced every 15 seconds this time of year, proving that it’s never too early for meaningless prognostications. With that in mind, I’ve broken down the 2011 schedule and predict the Bears will finish 10-6 next season — if the lockout ever ends.
Frankly, I’m a little more optimistic than I thought I would be, thanks largely to the problems the Vikings could have getting their new quarterback up to speed during the lockout and the Bears facing AFC West opponents next season.
Anyway, Here’s what I think. Let me know what you think.
Sept. 11: Atlanta Falcons at Bears, 12 noon.
Comment: Lovie Smith’s teams usually perform well in openers. WIN
Sept. 18: Bears at New Orleans Saints, 12 noon
Comment: Saints will have extra time to prepare after opening against Packers on Thursday night. LOSS
Sept. 25: Green Bay Packers at Bears, 3:15, p.m.
Comment: 2010 proved Bears don’t match up well against rivals. LOSS
Oct. 2: Carolina Panthers at Bears, 12 noon
Comment: Bears even record against Ron Rivera’s team. WIN
Oct. 10: Bears at Detroit Lions, 7:30 p.m.
Comment: Lions lose on first “Monday Night Football” appearance since 2001. WIN
Oct. 16: Minnesota Vikings at Bears, 7:20 (Sunday Night Football)
Comment: It will be tough for Vikes to get new QB up to speed during lockout. WIN
Oct. 23: Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 12 noon.
Comment: If played in London it will be like home game for Bears. WIN
Oct. 30: BYE
Nov. 7: Bears at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 p.m.
Comment: Michael Vick gets revenge in Monday Night showdown. LOSS
Nov. 13: Lions at Bears, 12 noon
Comment: Lions better but not good enough. WIN
Nov. 20: San Diego Chargers at Bears, 3:15 p.m.
Comment: Philip Rivers can carve up any secondary. LOSS
Nov. 27: Bears at Raiders, 3:05 p.m.
Comment: Expect Raiders to take step sideways. WIN
Dec. 4: Kansas City Chiefs at Bears, 12 noon
Comment: Bears edge improving Chiefs at home. WIN
Dec. 11: Bears at Denver Broncos, 3:05 p.m.
Comment: Jay Cutler gets last laugh in homecoming. WIN
Dec. 18: Seattle Seahawks at Bears, 12 noon
Comment: Same result as 2010 Divisional Playoff game. WIN
Dec. 25: Bears at Packers, 7:20 p.m.
Comment: Mike Martz’s offense struggled against Pack in 2010. LOSS
Jan 1: Bears at Vikings, 12 noon.
Comment: New QB should have settled in by now. LOSS
