Chicago Bears Win Total Prediction Following 2022 NFL Schedule Release

The Chicago Bears went 6-11 in a tumultuous 2021 season, leading to the firings of head coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace.

It also set in motion the rookie year of hopeful franchise quarterback Justin Fields. The results weren't pretty; as Fields went 2-8-0 in 10 games, throwing just seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions; and completing just under 59% of his passes.

Chicago may have been doomed from the start for many reasons, but perhaps one of them was the third-most difficult schedule entering 2021. Now in 2022, Chicago owns the eighth-easiest schedule based on opponents win-loss record from a season ago. That's one bit of good news for new head coach Matt Eberflus along with General Manger Ryan Poles.

Here's who they're playing in Weeks 1-18.

Chicago Bears 2022 Schedule

Chicago Bears 2022 Win Total Odds (consensus)

While not available at WynnBET Sportsbook at this time, the consensus number for Chicago Bears win totals for the 2022 season is set at 6.5 wins.

One option currently on the board is odds to win the NFC North. The Bears are +700 to win the division, trailing the Green Bay Packers (-185) and Minnesota Vikings (+280).

How Many Games will the Bears Win in 2022?

The first two games do not bode well for Chicago; matching up against two playoff teams from a season ago in the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.

In Week 3, however, the Bears should lock up their first victory of the season against the Houston Texans, and could perhaps find themselves at 2-2 after facing the New York Giants, two teams that finished a combined 8-26 last year.

On the road against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 may be tough, but perhaps a quick turnaround at home on Thursday Night Football vs. the Washington Commanders keeps the ship afloat at 3-3. Unfortunately, the losses may start to spiral over the next three weeks with back-to-back road games at New England and Dallas, before hosting the new-and-improved Miami Dolphins at Solider Field for Week 9.

A home game vs. the Detroit Lions paves the way for win number four, despite Detroit making significant additions to their roster in the first round of the draft. Then, I'll back them to split their next two games against two more bottom-feeders; on the road vs. both the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, bringing their record to a somewhat respectable 5-7 through 12 weeks.

Chicago rematchs against NFC North favorite Green Bay in Week 13 before a super late bye the following week (14). Then, it's two more playoff teams from a season ago in the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills at home as the losing streak climbs to three with a 5-10 record.

While in years past, a game at Detroit was considered a lock in the win column. However, in 2022, I'd bet the Bears to split the series with wins at home for both teams, giving the Lions the late season victory. Then, with Chicago's season all but done, and the Vikings likely having nothing to play for as well, I'll grant Chicago a feel-good win in Week 18; getting them to 6-11 for the second consecutive year.

PREDICTION: 6 wins

Follow all of Ben Heisler's betting plays in real-time HERE