Optimist vs. Pessimist: Bears could struggle to dig out of NFC North hole

Patrick Finley writes that the Chicago Bears face a steep uphill battle to repeat as NFC North champions due to an 0-2 divisional start. Despite a 5-2 overall record achieved with three different starting quarterbacks, Finley argues that losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers leave Chicago with no margin for error across their final four division games.

Finley notes that head coach Ben Johnson has never defeated the Detroit Lions, whom the Bears face on Thanksgiving. To secure vital home playoff games in freezing conditions, Finley believes Chicago must likely win all remaining division matchups, including a Christmas Day contest against Green Bay and a Week 18 finale against the Vikings.