Bears need Justin Fields to be more aggressive in Week 2 vs. Buccaneers

But after Week 1's embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears are back to who the NFL thought they were: the 3-14 team that lost their way to the No. 1 overall pick last year.

Perhaps Week 1's poor showing resulted from the rust that comes with one less preseason game. The entire NFL suffered from a subpar showing, Week 1's yards per pass attempt was the lowest it's been since 1996, and the EPA (expected points added) per play was the lowest in 22 years.

Justin Fields wasn't great, and his box score showed it. He threw for 216 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and another 59 yards rushing. Fields' ho-hum day would've been worse if established franchise quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, who threw for just 82 yards on 31 pass attempts.

Fields' struggles aren't excused because Week 1 as a whole wasn't great for quarterbacks, but it does at least keep the light on for a positive outlook for Chicago's QB1.

The fastest way Justin Fields can reboot his 2023 season is with an explosive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. And to have that explosive showing, he'll need to take more shots downfield to receivers like DJ Moore.

Fields knows it.

“I felt like I was a little bit too conservative at times during the game,” Fields said of his performance against the Packers from Halas Hall on Wednesday. “Definitely with guys like [receivers] DJ [Moore] and Chase [Claypool] on the outside, if we do have one-on-one on the outside, potentially throwing it up and seeing what happens.

"With them, they’re great playmakers, and they can most likely come up with a 50-50 ball. Definitely want to give them more chances deep down the field.”

Justin Fields will have a chance to take those shots against the Buccaneers defense. Tampa Bay surrendered 328 passing yards in Week 1, which ranked 30th in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. EST) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Subscribe to The Bears Talk Podcast: \x3Cp>But after Week 1's embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears are back to who the NFL thought they were: the 3-14 team that lost their way to the No. 1 overall pick last year.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Perhaps Week 1's poor showing resulted from the rust that comes with one less preseason game. The entire NFL suffered from a subpar showing, Week 1's yards per pass attempt was the lowest it's been since 1996, and the EPA (expected points added) per play was the lowest in 22 years.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Justin Fields wasn't great, and his box score showed it. He threw for 216 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and another 59 yards rushing. Fields' ho-hum day would've been worse if established franchise quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, who threw for just 82 yards on 31 pass attempts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Fields' struggles aren't excused because Week 1 as a whole wasn't great for quarterbacks, but it does at least keep the light on for a positive outlook for Chicago's QB1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The fastest way Justin Fields can reboot his 2023 season is with an explosive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. And to have that explosive showing, he'll need to take more shots downfield to receivers like DJ Moore.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Fields knows it.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I felt like I was a little bit too conservative at times during the game,” Fields said of his performance against the Packers from Halas Hall on Wednesday. “Definitely with guys like [receivers] DJ [Moore] and Chase [Claypool] on the outside, if we do have one-on-one on the outside, potentially throwing it up and seeing what happens. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"With them, they’re great playmakers, and they can most likely come up with a 50-50 ball. Definitely want to give them more chances deep down the field.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Justin Fields will have a chance to take those shots against the Buccaneers defense. Tampa Bay surrendered 328 passing yards in Week 1, which ranked 30th in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. EST) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.\x3C/p>\x3Ch3>Subscribe to The Bears Talk Podcast: \x3Ca href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bears-talk-podcast/id1639453795?uo=4\">\x3Cstrong>APPLE \x3C/strong>\x3C/a> | \x3Ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/0EzkBoyoipNsCMD7V7rKyE\">\x3Cstrong>SPOTIFY\x3C/strong>\x3C/a> | \x3Ca href=\"https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNTYzNjk5Ni9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk\">\x3Cstrong>GOOGLE\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/h3>\x3Cp>\x3Ciframe src=\"https://widget.spreaker.com/player?show_id=5636996&theme=dark&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Ft_website_show_cover%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F3387c0d2eb4cc1aa6dce768aa31894a1.jpg&playlist=show&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=left&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-logo=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"350px\" frameborder=\"0\">\x3C/iframe>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields knows he has to be more aggressive in Week 2's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/Fields-Photo-by-Quinn-Harris-Getty-Images-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[14]=["2023 Season"],tags:$R[15]=["2023-season","chicago-bears","justin-fields","news"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp>First impressions are hard to shake sometimes. It's why the Chicago Bears are suddenly considered one of the worst teams in the NFL despite an offseason full of optimism after the improvements GM Ryan Poles made to the roster.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But after Week 1's embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Bears are back to who the NFL thought they were: the 3-14 team that lost their way to the No. 1 overall pick last year.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Perhaps Week 1's poor showing resulted from the rust that comes with one less preseason game. The entire NFL suffered from a subpar showing, Week 1's yards per pass attempt was the lowest it's been since 1996, and the EPA (expected points added) per play was the lowest in 22 years.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Justin Fields wasn't great, and his box score showed it. He threw for 216 yards, one touchdown and an interception, and another 59 yards rushing. Fields' ho-hum day would've been worse if established franchise quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, who threw for just 82 yards on 31 pass attempts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Fields' struggles aren't excused because Week 1 as a whole wasn't great for quarterbacks, but it does at least keep the light on for a positive outlook for Chicago's QB1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The fastest way Justin Fields can reboot his 2023 season is with an explosive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. And to have that explosive showing, he'll need to take more shots downfield to receivers like DJ Moore.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Fields knows it.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>“I felt like I was a little bit too conservative at times during the game,” Fields said of his performance against the Packers from Halas Hall on Wednesday. “Definitely with guys like [receivers] DJ [Moore] and Chase [Claypool] on the outside, if we do have one-on-one on the outside, potentially throwing it up and seeing what happens. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"With them, they’re great playmakers, and they can most likely come up with a 50-50 ball. Definitely want to give them more chances deep down the field.”\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Justin Fields will have a chance to take those shots against the Buccaneers defense. Tampa Bay surrendered 328 passing yards in Week 1, which ranked 30th in the NFL.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. EST) from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.\x3C/p>\x3Ch3>Subscribe to The Bears Talk Podcast: \x3Ca href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bears-talk-podcast/id1639453795?uo=4\">\x3Cstrong>APPLE \x3C/strong>\x3C/a> | \x3Ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/0EzkBoyoipNsCMD7V7rKyE\">\x3Cstrong>SPOTIFY\x3C/strong>\x3C/a> | \x3Ca href=\"https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNTYzNjk5Ni9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk\">\x3Cstrong>GOOGLE\x3C/strong>\x3C/a>\x3C/h3>\x3Cp>\x3Ciframe src=\"https://widget.spreaker.com/player?show_id=5636996&theme=dark&cover_image_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net%2Ft_website_show_cover%2Fimages.spreaker.com%2Foriginal%2F3387c0d2eb4cc1aa6dce768aa31894a1.jpg&playlist=show&playlist-continuous=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=left&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-logo=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"350px\" frameborder=\"0\">\x3C/iframe>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"cd70d9a2-edad-41bc-b1cc-e26f64efda43",wp_post_id:100000000208,title:"Theo Benedet will start at left tackle for Bears vs. Jets",slug:"theo-benedet-bears-starting-left-tackle-jets-week-4",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/02",published_at:"2026-10-02T17:54:28.633+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-02T17:54:28.633+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears have made their decision at left tackle for Week 4.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Coach Ben Johnson announced Friday that Theo Benedet will start at left tackle Sunday against the New York Jets, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Jason Lieser.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson also confirmed that Ozzy Trapilo will not play this week.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Benedet has already seen meaningful action at left tackle this season, but Sunday's assignment puts him squarely in the spotlight as the Bears attempt to improve to 3-1.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/JasonLieser/status/2106064641164030121?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/JasonLieser/status/2106064641164030121?s=20\">https://x.com/JasonLieser/status/2106064641164030121?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp>It's another opportunity for Benedet to establish himself at a position that has required plenty of attention from the Bears over the last several months.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears opened the season with Braxton Jones at left tackle, but Johnson made it clear at the time that the evaluation at the position would continue. Benedet has remained part of that equation, and now he'll get the start against New York.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Theo Benedet gets another big opportunity\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The decision matters because the Bears are still navigating quarterback uncertainty.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Caleb Williams remains sidelined by the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2, while Chicago has spent this week keeping its decision between Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum private.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Regardless of which quarterback starts, the Bears would like to avoid putting him in obvious passing situations where the Jets can attack the edges of the offensive line.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's where Benedet comes in.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have leaned heavily on their running game this season, and maintaining that success is especially important while Williams remains unavailable. A solid performance from Benedet would help Chicago stay committed to that approach while giving either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum a clean pocket\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For now, at least, the decision has been made. Benedet will protect the blind side Sunday as the Bears try to build on their dominant win over Philadelphia and move to 3-1.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson announced Theo Benedet will start at left tackle against the Jets, while Ozzy Trapilo has been ruled out for Week 4.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790963377336-bl5z37.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDk2MzM3NzMzNi1ibDV6Mzcud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA5NjMzODAsImV4cCI6MjEwNjMyMzM4MH0.b7ra3mdhK8WAip57sMEXMCEcLZs-uP_yfdwEsu2aGiE",photo_credit:"Perry Knotts/GettyImages",status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-02T17:48:34.660377+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["Bears offensive line","Ben Johnson","Chicago Bears","New York Jets","Ozzy Trapilo","Theo Benedet"],meta_title:"Theo Benedet will start at left tackle for Bears vs. Jets",meta_description:"Ben Johnson announced Theo Benedet will start at left tackle for the Chicago Bears against the New York Jets, while Ozzy Trapilo has been ruled out for Week 4.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Theo Benedet",reading_time_minutes:1,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[20]={id:"f62946ec-7e47-4157-9c27-5635d7592a64",wp_post_id:100000000207,title:"Ben Johnson wants to fix one issue with Bears offense against Jets",slug:"ben-johnson-rome-odunze-bears-jets-week-4-touches",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/02",published_at:"2026-10-02T17:06:10.321+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-02T17:06:10.321+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Ben Johnson isn't worried about Rome Odunze. But the Chicago Bears coach does seem to believe something needs to change about how often some of his offensive weapons get the ball.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Asked about Odunze on Thursday, Johnson made it clear he isn't interested in dwelling on mistakes (drops!) from his third-year receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I don't say a word to him,\" \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://x.com/BearsOnReal/status/2105414796174667900?s=20\">Johnson said\x3C/a>. \"He knows, catch the darn ball, and we keep it moving from there. So, nothing needs to be said in that regard.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Then Johnson shed light on what should interest fantasy football managers nationwide.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I would say that I think probably all of our pass catchers right now are all chomping a little bit to get fed a little bit more, and I think that's a good thing,\" Johnson said. \"It's on me as a play caller to make sure that they all are getting the ball distributed to them, and then our quarterback's got to do a great job.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"They got to continue to play the game and take what's given to them. I think it's more on me than anything else just to make sure that everyone's getting the touches that they deserve.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785350925187-2fs1ya.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTM1MDkyNTE4Ny0yZnMxeWEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUzNTA5MjYsImV4cCI6MjEwMDcxMDkyNn0.mHmhXbaYY1BAqkYeN0rLWIWFLA5AB10Jx4AfkK1xt5A\" alt=\"Rome Odunze Bears\">\x3Ch2>Rome Odunze hasn't been a major part of Bears offense yet\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago is 2-1, so there isn't exactly a crisis developing in Johnson's offense. But the distribution of targets has been surprising.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze has eight receptions for 139 yards and no touchdowns through three games. He's third on the Bears with only a 14.3% target share. By comparison, Kalif Raymond leads Chicago with 19 receptions and has 214 receiving yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Odunze did become more involved in Week 3.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He caught three passes for 44 yards in Chicago's 27-7 victory over Philadelphia, including receptions of 22 and 15 yards from Case Keenum. But Luther Burden III caught seven passes, Colston Loveland had four, and Raymond led Chicago with six receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson's comments suggest he knows that keeping this offense functioning over a full season means finding opportunities for his top skill players, and Odunze belongs near the top of that list.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787500105199-z53ufb.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzUwMDEwNTE5OS16NTN1ZmIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc1MDAxMDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjg2MDEwNn0.qF4b-EhzVg5VKu9FeAYZfig7Iqcqc7lKJDafwQp06mg\" alt=\"Ben Johnson Chicago Bears\">\x3Ch2>Why Ben Johnson's comments matter against the Jets in Week 4\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Sunday will test Johnson's willingness to manufacture targets for his primary weapons.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Jets haven't intercepted a pass in three games, but their coverage hasn't been easy for opposing quarterbacks to attack. The Jets have allowed 554 passing yards and five passing touchdowns while holding opponents to 6.0 yards per attempt. They've also allowed the third-fewest receiving yards on downfield throws to wide receivers and the third-lowest explosive-catch rate. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>In other words, simply forcing deep balls toward Odunze isn't necessarily the answer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's where Johnson comes in. Whether Tyson Bagent or Keenum starts Sunday, the Bears need their quarterback to take what New York gives him. Johnson said exactly that Thursday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But there's a difference between forcing targets and designing an offense that creates opportunities for one of its most talented receivers. And Johnson knows it.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1788286835740-tribp6.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4ODI4NjgzNTc0MC10cmlicDYud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODgyODY4MzgsImV4cCI6MjEwMzY0NjgzOH0.QLlNnr8FF9t-J2r1yE8RGX0gLWVwisHCY7DRa_4Ujac\" alt=\"Colston Loveland Bears\">\x3Ch2>Bears have a lot of mouths to feed\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Odunze isn't the only Bears pass catcher who can demand more opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Burden just caught seven passes against Philadelphia. Raymond has been Chicago's most productive receiver through three games. Loveland remains one of the most talented young tight ends in football. Cole Kmet is still hanging around, too.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Then there is D'Andre Swift as a receiver out of the backfield.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson doesn't need to establish a predetermined target quota for everyone. Football doesn't work that way, particularly when the Bears could again be starting a backup quarterback Sunday. But his willingness to publicly take responsibility is notable.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\"I think it's more on me than anything else,\" Johnson said.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's not Johnson criticizing his quarterbacks or suggesting Odunze should be force-fed the football. It's an acknowledgment that one of his responsibilities is making sure Chicago's offensive talent is actually being used.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze hasn't had his breakout game yet in 2026. Neither has Burden nor Loveland. But Week 4 feels like it could be a 'Welcome to the 2026 season' moment for one (or more) of them.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson says it's on him to get Rome Odunze and the Bears' other pass catchers more touches, making Week 4 against the Jets worth watching.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786549187478-2ty379.jpg?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjU0OTE4NzQ3OC0ydHkzNzkuanBnIiwic2NvcGUiOiJkb3dubG9hZCIsImlhdCI6MTc4NjU0OTE4OCwiZXhwIjoyMTAxOTA5MTg4fQ.0RxMnxUNicFsFSRbEBVZHfuEGZZNTD0tX3y6_abHlPo",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-02T16:49:26.851321+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["Bears offense","Bears-Jets","Ben Johnson","Chicago Bears","New York Jets","NFL Week 4","Rome Odunze"],meta_title:"Ben Johnson wants to fix one issue on Bears offense vs. Jets",meta_description:"Ben Johnson says it's on him to get Rome Odunze and the Bears' other pass catchers more touches, making Week 4 against the Jets worth watching.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"64f1458e-890b-4a65-af22-07b504c5ae7b",wp_post_id:100000000206,title:"Bears-Jets expert picks reveal a clear Week 4 consensus",slug:"bears-jets-expert-picks-predictions-week-4-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/02",published_at:"2026-10-02T15:43:56.857+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-02T15:43:56.857+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears were the underdog story entering Week 3. One dominant prime-time win later, the expectations have changed dramatically.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago enters Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets at 2-1 after stunning the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, 27-7, on Monday Night Football. The Jets are 1-2 after falling 31-24 to the Detroit Lions last Sunday.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And while \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://bearstalk.com/2026/10/02/tyson-bagent-bears-starting-quarterback-jets-week-4\">questions remain\x3C/a> about whether Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum will start at quarterback with Caleb Williams sidelined, most experts aren't letting that uncertainty scare them away from Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears are 3.5-point favorites in the latest line, and the expert predictions largely reflect it.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here's how some experts are viewing Bears-Jets this weekend.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790703088108-8ynm6z.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDcwMzA4ODEwOC04eW5tNnoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA3MDMwODksImV4cCI6MjEwNjA2MzA4OX0.__cq5LEOtTroZPCuR_RBlfsGzYblfadQ7Q3wjlyBimE\" alt=\"D'Andre Swift \">\x3Ch2>NFL.com gives Bears the edge\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>NFL.com's five-person panel isn't unanimous, \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-picks-week-4-2026-nfl-season\">but Chicago still comes out on top\x3C/a>.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice and Dan Parr are picking the Bears. Jeremy Bergman and Bobby Kownack are taking the Jets.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Cersosimo and Parr both predict 24-20 Bears victories, while Filice has Chicago winning 27-20. Bergman predicts a 20-18 Jets win, and Kownack has New York pulling off a 28-27 upset.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>NFL.com tally: Bears 3, Jets 2\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Chicago Sun-Times unanimously picks the Bears\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There's far less disagreement among the hometown experts.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>All five members of the \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/10/01/bears-jets-predictions-picks-week-4-odds-point-spread-new-york-chicago-soldier-field-nfl\">Chicago Sun-Times panel\x3C/a> are picking the Bears.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Patrick Finley has Chicago winning 24-20. Jason Lieser predicts 27-16. Scoop Jackson has the Bears winning 31-18, Steve Greenberg predicts 24-20, and Jeff Agrest forecasts a 28-14 Chicago victory.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Sun-Times tally: Bears 5, Jets 0\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>CBS Sports is much more divided\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>CBS Sports isn't as confident in the Bears.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-4-odds-predictions-expert-picks-49ers-broncos/\">Its seven-expert against-the-spread panel\x3C/a> has four analysts backing Chicago at -3.5 and three taking New York with the points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Pete Prisco, Jared Dubin, Ryan Wilson and Jamey Eisenberg are siding with the Bears. John Breech, Tyler Sullivan and Dave Richard are taking the Jets against the spread.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>CBS Sports tally: Bears 4, Jets 3\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787500105199-z53ufb.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzUwMDEwNTE5OS16NTN1ZmIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc1MDAxMDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjg2MDEwNn0.qF4b-EhzVg5VKu9FeAYZfig7Iqcqc7lKJDafwQp06mg\" alt=\"Ben Johnson Chicago Bears\">\x3Ch2>The Bears have gone from hunters to hunted\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>A week ago, Chicago entered Monday night with its third-string quarterback preparing to face an undefeated Philadelphia team. Then Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, added another score on the ground, and helped the Bears win by 20 points.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now Chicago is favored at home against a 1-2 team, and most of the predictions we surveyed expect the Bears to win.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Sure, the quarterback uncertainty remains. Williams is still dealing with his hamstring injury, and Johnson has kept his Week 4 decision between Bagent and Keenum private. But Chicago has demonstrated that its formula doesn't have to depend entirely on who's taking the snaps.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have held Minnesota and Philadelphia to a combined 16 points over the last two weeks. Their running game also enters Week 4 ranked No. 1 in the NFL. Those are sustainable ways to survive without your franchise quarterback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears showed they can pull off an upset when expectations are low. Now we'll find out whether they can handle a game they're supposed to win.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"NFL experts have made their Bears-Jets Week 4 predictions, and Chicago is receiving plenty of support after its dominant win over Philadelphia.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790261088563-cg8v5m.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDI2MTA4ODU2My1jZzh2NW0ud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTAyNjEwODksImV4cCI6MjEwNTYyMTA4OX0.KC76GeqlU64kcsNF7T4QxgaKRG5QNEUFtZ10BYSPh9c",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-02T15:33:09.363583+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["Bears-Jets","Ben Johnson","Case Keenum","Chicago Bears","New York Jets","NFL predictions","NFL Week 4","Tyson Bagent"],meta_title:"Bears-Jets expert picks reveal a clear Week 4 trend",meta_description:"NFL experts have made their Bears-Jets Week 4 predictions, and Chicago is receiving plenty of support after its dominant win over Philadelphia.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"7603e8ec-ee2e-4bb4-80e2-215697f6fb16",wp_post_id:100000000203,title:"Bears may have just revealed their Week 4 quarterback plan without saying a word",slug:"tyson-bagent-bears-starting-quarterback-jets-week-4",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/02",published_at:"2026-10-02T15:11:07.321+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-02T15:11:07.321+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Case Keenum may have just delivered one of the best stories of the Chicago Bears' young season. But that apparently doesn't guarantee him another start.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/signs-point-to-tyson-bagent-for-the-bears-on-sunday\">According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk\x3C/a>, Tyson Bagent has received the Bears' first-team quarterback reps through the first two full practices of Week 4, which suggests Bagent will start against the quality New York Jets defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, the Bears have not officially announced their starting quarterback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Coach Ben Johnson has kept his lips sealed all week about whether Bagent or Keenum will get the call while Caleb Williams continues recovering from his hamstring injury. But if Bagent is indeed getting the first-team work, the Bears may already have made up their mind.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790101092155-tcy22n.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDEwMTA5MjE1NS10Y3kyMm4ud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTAxMDEwOTMsImV4cCI6MjEwNTQ2MTA5M30.KXbnThq5rX-gWRYYnWDAD8Gk9mjjh6A4KHaZbMMEn-c\" alt=\"Tyson Bagent Bears Week 3\">\x3Ch2>Tyson Bagent may be reclaiming his role as Bears' QB2\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The possibility of Bagent starting shouldn't necessarily be viewed as an indictment against Keenum. Instead, the Bears are simply returning to the quarterback hierarchy they established before injuries scrambled everything.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Bagent entered the season as Williams' primary backup, with Keenum No. 3. Bagent replaced Williams after Iceman injured his hamstring against Minnesota in Week 2, but Bagent subsequently entered concussion protocol.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The concussion kept him out of most of the week of preparation for Philadelphia.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>By the time Bagent was cleared Sunday, Keenum had already been prepped as Chicago's starter. Johnson stuck with the veteran Monday night, and the decision couldn't have worked much better.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Keenum completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, added another touchdown on the ground, and finished with a 110.8 passer rating in Chicago's stunning 27-7 victory over Philadelphia. He wasn't sacked and didn't turn the football over.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Johnson praised Keenum afterward and again Wednesday, saying the veteran's performance would factor into the decision on the starter against New York.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Ben Johnson may have been keeping Jets guessing\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Johnson has publicly maintained that the Bears would evaluate all three quarterbacks and start whoever gives them the best chance to win. It feels like this is nothing more than coaching chess, though.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Jets coach Aaron Glenn knows Johnson extremely well from their time together as coordinators in Detroit. Forcing Glenn and New York to prepare for both Bagent and Keenum creates at least some additional uncertainty ahead of Sunday's game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But practice reps are harder to disguise than a press-conference answer. If Bagent has been operating with the first-team offense all week, it's hard to ignore what that suggests.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786719045192-huevtj.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjcxOTA0NTE5Mi1odWV2dGoud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY3MTkwNDYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjA3OTA0Nn0.DmAFl1hQgpug8gb9ISHgrwtuJ9lOEAjjg7OqZ_QDeVY\" alt=\"Tyson Bagent\">\x3Ch2>Starting Bagent would still be a fascinating decision\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>None of this diminishes what Keenum accomplished Monday night. If anything, that's what makes Johnson's impending decision so interesting.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Keenum just helped the Bears beat an undefeated Philadelphia team by 20 points. He looked composed, decisive, and completely comfortable operating Johnson's offense. Coaches often ride the hot hand in situations like this, but Johnson may be prepared to trust the depth chart he and Ryan Poles built before the season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And there's a longer-term consideration.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Keenum is a 38-year-old veteran who gives Chicago tremendous insurance at the position. Bagent is still only 26 and signed a two-year contract extension with the Bears before the 2025 season. Chicago has spent years developing him behind Williams.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If Williams isn't ready to return, another Bagent start gives the Bears an opportunity to see what their established QB2 can do in Johnson's offense. It also levels up his trade value if he plays well.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Right now, the strongest signs point toward Tyson Bagent getting the football Sunday afternoon.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Ben Johnson hasn't named the Bears' starting quarterback against the Jets, but a new report about Tyson Bagent provides a major clue.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790953351133-yowk73.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDk1MzM1MTEzMy15b3drNzMud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA5NTMzNTIsImV4cCI6MjEwNjMxMzM1Mn0.CjEDILkvNPxfV_yTN0jw-cQiTtiZs94kk_0qr5EFo2s",photo_credit:"IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect",status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-02T14:54:14.500773+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["Bears injuries","Ben Johnson","Caleb Williams","Case Keenum","Chicago Bears","New York Jets","Tyson Bagent"],meta_title:"Bears may have tipped their hand on Week 4 starting QB",meta_description:"Ben Johnson hasn't named the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback against the New York Jets, but a new report about Tyson Bagent provides a major clue.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Tyson Bagent",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"41bbc454-5294-4f70-bff1-7e158251040b",wp_post_id:100000000201,title:"Bears could get major defensive reinforcement just in time for Packers",slug:"kyler-gordon-bears-return-practice-week-5-packers",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/10/01",published_at:"2026-10-01T16:30:38.913+00:00",updated_at:"2026-10-01T16:30:38.913+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears finally have Kyler Gordon back on the practice field. They won't have him against the New York Jets in Week 4, but what happens after Sunday just got a lot more interesting.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago opened Gordon's 21-day practice window Wednesday, allowing the veteran defensive back to practice for the first time since a calf injury sidelined him through training camp, the preseason, and the first three games of the regular season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon was listed as a full participant on Chicago's estimated Wednesday practice report.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's a fantastic first step.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Kyler Gordon can't play in Week 4 against Jets\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Gordon is still on the physically unable to perform list, and he's required to miss the Bears' first four games under the NFL's PUP rules.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's why Sunday's Jets game isn't an option.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon becomes eligible for activation Monday, which puts the Bears' Week 5 trip to Green Bay firmly in play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears now have three weeks to decide when Gordon is ready for the 53-man roster. His full participation Wednesday suggests that decision could come much sooner.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790872175367-fhc28r.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDg3MjE3NTM2Ny1maGMyOHIud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA4NzIxNzYsImV4cCI6MjEwNjIzMjE3Nn0.l_BWrElNRIqxf6J-fQq1DTYudgVuqsLQwG55efO7hKc\" alt=\"Kyler Gordon\">\x3Cp>Brandon Sloter/GettyImages\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears secondary has changed without Kyler Gordon\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Gordon isn't returning to the same Bears' secondary that he once started in. Rookie Malik Muhammad has been forced into an expanded role, and veteran Cam Lewis has handled nickel responsibilities, though he appeared on Wednesday's estimated injury report as limited with a hip injury.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Tyrique Stevenson also returned from his hamstring injury Monday but played only four defensive snaps against Philadelphia in Week 3. Jaylon Johnson remains Chicago's CB1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The return of Gordon will be a massive boost to a group that at one time appeared to be the deepest and most talented part of the defense.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Gordon could change Bears' options\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>When healthy, Gordon gives Chicago considerable positional flexibility. He has experience both outside and in the slot, and the Bears believe he is a long-term fixture in their defensive plans. His three-year, $40 million extension, signed in April 2025, proves that.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But injuries have become Gordon's defining problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He was limited to only three regular-season games last year before returning for Chicago's playoff games against Green Bay and Los Angeles. He then missed the entire summer with his latest calf problem.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's why Wednesday's update is such a big deal. It's not because Gordon is automatically walking back into the same role he once had. Let's face it, Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen have to trust him again.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Instead, it's because he's finally healthy enough to compete and help make the Bears' defense better, in whatever capacity he plays.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Kyler Gordon returned fully to practice Wednesday and becomes eligible for activation after Chicago's Week 4 game.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1790871981678-rl5gct.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiI0ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc5MDg3MTk4MTY3OC1ybDVnY3Qud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTA4NzE5ODYsImV4cCI6MjEwNjIzMTk4Nn0.w9Yayw-iktpSZb3YPCHJwVT-bY_cnVM-O_fPzyFOWsg",photo_credit:"USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect",status:"published",created_at:"2026-10-01T16:17:48.255798+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=["News"],tags:$R[31]=["Bears injuries","Chicago Bears","Kyler Gordon","Malik Muhammad","Tyrique Stevenson"],meta_title:"Bears could get key defensive boost for Packers game",meta_description:"Kyler Gordon returned fully to Bears practice Wednesday and becomes eligible for activation ahead of Chicago's Week 5 game against Green Bay.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Kyler Gordon",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}]})($R["tsr"])