Coach John Fox is on the hot seat after back-to-back last place finishes in the NFC North. In fact, the Bears have occupied the division cellar since Marc Trestman’s final season in 2014. The schedule makers did the Bears no favors with four quality opponents right out of the gate. Chicago must avoid a slow start – which appears likely to happen – otherwise the franchise could miss the postseason for the seventh straight year and 10 out of the last 11 seasons.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 10 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET
The Falcons undoubtedly take a step back in 2017, but their high-powered offense is scary.