Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule is Full of Fascinating Quirks

The Chicago Bears' schedule is out and it is full of fascinating quirks.

The Bears play three primetime games despite having the No. 1 overall pick, USC quarterback Caleb Williams. They go a month in between playing at Soldier Field.

The Bears also have the early game on Thanksgiving Day. Finally, the Bears do not play a division rival until Week 11.

There is a reason for that...

Instead of using the Bears new-found offensive firepower to be featured on primetime, the NFL wants to use the Bears as an anchor for their noon kicks. The Bears play six noon games before finally facing the Green Bay Packers during Week 11.

On one hand, it could be viewed as a slap in the face that the NFL still does not think all the offseason moves the Bears made are enough to be a primetime draw.

Another way to look at it is: the NFL looked at the opponents and the Bears were going to play some weak opponents no matter what time they kick the ball off.

New England, Washington, Tennessee, Carolina, and Arizona do not scream primetime. Sure, the NFL can sell Caleb vs. Drake Maye or Caleb vs. Jayden Daniels. It is still not on the level of Caleb vs. C.J. Stroud.

In addition, the NFL has made it clear with past scheduling that the Packers and Bears start no later than 3:25 pm CST. The Lions are always going to kick off at 11:30 am on Turkey Day.

The NFL has always had the Bears and Vikings play one primetime game. Plus, there is always the flex schedule. The Bears are being given an opportunity to prove they are a primetime draw outside of Chicago. They can start by winning a lot of the games at noon.

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