NFC North power rankings: Packers close gap, Lions uncertainty after playoff meltdown

3. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are a team to watch in 2024. They closed out the regular season with four wins from their final six games. The addition of Montez Sweat helped them limit their opponents to just 15.5 points per game during that run.

But the focus is on the offense this offseason. The Bears made a smart decision to hire Shane Waldron as their new offensive coordinator.

The big question in the coming months: Who will start at QB in Week 1?

Chicago holds the No. 1 overall pick thanks to the draft-day trade with the Carolina Panthers last year. The Bears may choose to select Caleb Williams, who has franchise QB potential. They would need to find a trade partner for Justin Fields.

The alternative is to stick with Fields and land a boatload of picks to move down from No. 1. Both paths could lead to a significant turnaround in the Windy City next season.

Chicago has the draft capital—the Bears pick twice in the top 10—and cap space to upgrade its roster in 2024. Can the Bears close the gap on the Lions and Packers in the NFC North? They have a chance to build on their 7-10 finish and make a playoff push next season.