New Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, who takes over for underachieving John Fox (14-34 in Chicago), inherits a team that finished last in the NFC North for four consecutive seasons. The Bears haven't reached the playoffs since 2010, and while a postseason berth may be too much to expect in Nagy's first year, Chicago's offense received badly needed upgrades with the free-agent signings of wide receiver Allen Robinson and tight end Trey Burton. The Bears' defense is the strength of the team, but the year hinges on the continued development of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who's surrounded by a better supporting cast, at least on paper, in Year 2.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, at Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Bears are a better team under Nagy but are not good enough yet to knock off Green Bay on a special night at Lambeau Field. Especially not in Aaron Rodgers' first regular-season game back from injury. Record: 0-1

Week 2: Monday, Sept. 17, vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET

Seattle isn't the same caliber team after blowing up its roster, but Russell Wilson is dangerous for a Bears defense that still lacks enough proven pass-rushers. Record: 0-2

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET

Mike Glennon's revenge? Not a chance. Record: 1-2

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET

The Bucs have destroyed the Bears recently in Tampa, but shifting the scene back to Chicago greatly helps the home team. Jon Gruden was still the Bucs' coach the last time they won at Soldier Field. Record: 2-2

Week 5: BYE

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET

Dowell Loggains' revenge? Not a chance. Record: 3-2

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 21, vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET

The Bears come crashing back down to reality. Bad things happen when the Bears face New England (except in Super Bowl XX, of course!). The Pats have blown the Bears out in their last two meetings. Record: 3-3

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET

Trubisky outduels Josh McCown, or whichever rookie quarterback the Jets have in the starting lineup by Week 8. Record: 4-3

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 4, at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET

Bills Mafia is riding high after last year's surprise playoff berth. The Bills seem to have turned a corner after years of mismanagement. Record: 4-4

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 11, vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET

The Bears steal their first -- and likely only -- division game of 2018. Record: 5-4

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET

Back to reality. It's Super Bowl or bust for the Vikings with new quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Bears are not at that level yet. Record: 5-5

Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 22, at Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET

The Bears find creative ways to lose at Ford Field. Chicago hasn't won there since Lovie Smith's final season. Record: 5-6

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

The Bears complete their sweep of New York. The Giants seem stuck between rebuilding and thinking they can win. Record: 6-6

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 9, vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET

Sean McVay, Jared Goff and the Rams' star-studded defense prove too much to handle. Record: 6-7

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET

Chicago's last victory over Green Bay at Soldier Field occurred in 2010. A healthy Rodgers is a dangerous thing for the entire NFC North. Record: 6-8

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET

Robbie Gould's revenge, again? Maybe. But Trubisky -- barring injury -- figures to have a much better grasp on the offense this late in the year. In an upset, Trubisky and Nagy outwit Jimmy Garoppolo and Kyle Shanahan for an unexpected and important road victory. Record: 7-8

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET

The Bears haven't won a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. That won't change in 2018. Record: 7-9