If history repeats itself, the Chicago Bears will win their week one matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The numbers always tell a story, and if we look at the past five years – we learn some of the stories that are begging to be told. Let’s climb into our Delorian with the flux capacitor and set the date for the opening day of 2019.
Patterns in the Season Openers
In 2019, the Bears played in the opening Thursday night game against their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, at Soldier Field. It was a defensive battle with each quarterback being sacked five times. The Bears’ defense kept Aaron Rodgers in check, holding the Packers to 10 points. The problem was – the Bears could only muster up three points to suffer a week-one loss at home.
The infamous pandemic season of 2020 was a different story. Despite no fans being allowed in the stands, the Bears put on a show scoring 27 points, and beating the Detroit Lions by four at Ford Field. Mitchell Trubisky outplayed Mathew Stafford in this one, throwing for three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and averaging almost nine yards per rush.
Opening week 2021, the Andy Dalton QB experiment begins. Or maybe it never started. The Bears traveled to Los Angeles for a shellacking from Aaron Donald and the Rams. Dalton looked terrible and the QB on the other side of the field, Matthew Stafford looked like a maestro. The Rams beat the Bears 34-14 in this one, who ultimately won the Super Bowl that year against the Cincinnati Bengals.
2022 week 1, you begin to see the pattern. The Bears are hosting the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field in a monsoon. Between the wind and rain and mud, the Bears outlasted the vaunted 49ers who were coming off playing in the Super Bowl against the Rams the year prior. Justin Fields hit WR Dante Pettis for a 51-yard touchdown for the highlight and the Bears won 19-10.
Last year at Soldier Field in week one, the Packers came to town and boat-raced the Bears 38-20. Green Bay QB Jordan Love looked like a seasoned veteran throwing for 245 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and a passer rating of 123.2. Bears QB Justin Fields took four sacks, lost a fumble, had a dismal QB rating of 78.2, and threw a 37-yard pick-6 to Quay Walker in the fourth quarter.
The Bears are Due for a Week 1 Dub
It doesn’t take a rocket surgeon (lol) to see the pattern here: L, W, L, W, L. In addition to the alternating pattern, there is an acute correlation to a Bears’ win in opening week – quarterback play. When the Bears get good/decent play out of their QB, it equates to a win. Caleb Williams should be able to provide that with ease, so as long as the rest of the team holds their own – Chicago should be starting off the 2024 season 1-0.
Tennessee Titans Week 1 Losers
For the past three seasons in a row, The Titans have found a way to lose their week one matchup. The past two seasons have come down to the wire losing each of those games by one point – in 2023 to the New Orleans Saints on the road, and in 2022 to the New York Giants at home. In 2021 they traveled to Glendale, AZ, and got stomped by a healthy Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.
It could be a similar situation at Soldier Field on September 8th. Chicago feels like a team ready to explode on offense and the defense is stacked at linebacker and in the secondary. If the Bears’ defensive line can get home a time or two on Titans QB Will Levis, and hold their running game in check – it could be a long afternoon for Tennessee.
Final Thoughts
It’s week one in the NFL. Crazy things happen. Teams have had months to prepare for their first opponent and a less talented team can beat a more talented team based on a solid game plan and execution. It feels like the Bears can’t lose this game. There is so much hope, talent, and hype surrounding this Bears team that a win seems inevitable. The team is gelling together at the right time – and they can’t wait to get on the field in front of their home fans. Will the Titans have a few surprises up their sleeves? Or will it be a dominant Bears victory to start the new era?
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.