Week 15 was an entertaining matchup between two of the young, mobile quarterbacks in today’s NFL. Chicago Bears second-year quarterback Justin Fields took on Philadelphia Eagles starter and MVP candidate, Jalen Hurts.
While the Bears didn’t come out victorious, they sure put up a valiant effort, only losing 30-25 in the end.
What the Bears did gain, however, was the privilege of sitting still at the number 2 overall pick in next year’s draft.
Here’s how the top of the 2023 NFL Draft order shakes out after Week 15:
1. Houston Texans 1-12-1
2. Chicago Bears 3-11
3. Denver Broncos 4-10 (Pick goes to Seattle)
4. Los Angeles Rams 4-10 (Pick goes to Detroit)
5. Arizona Cardinals 4-10
The Chicago Bears are in great position to finish the season with the number 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Let’s break down the remaining schedule for these teams, quick.
Houston
Week 16: @ Tennessee Titans
Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 18: @ Indianapolis Colts
The Titans are fighting for their playoff lives at the moment, with the Jaguars right on their heels. In fact, if the Jaguars win-out, then they’ll win the AFC South. That’s astonishing, considering how Jacksonville started the year.
Houston will likely lose to Tennessee and Jacksonville, with the Indianapolis game up in the air. In all likelihood, the Texans are locked into that number one spot.
Chicago
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 17: @ Detroit Lions
Week 18: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Let’s be real, folks. All three of these very well could be losses. The Bills are the AFC’s elite, and that won’t be a pretty ending. The Lions, meanwhile, are one of the hottest teams in football and are somehow fighting for a playoff spot still. Then, there’s the Vikings, who just pulled off the greatest regular season comeback in NFL history. Minnesota and Detroit have already beaten the Bears once each this season.
Denver
Week 16: @ Los Angeles Rams
Week 17: @ Kansas City Chiefs
Week 18: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
First of all, the fact that Denver and Los Angeles have to play each other still works in the Bears’ favor. One of those teams has to win — you would think. As long as they don’t tie, it’s a huge positive for the Bears.
While the Broncos played the Chiefs tough a couple of weeks ago, they might be without Russell Wilson — and maybe that’s a good thing? Who knows. But, the Chiefs should roll in that one. Then, there’s the Chargers who are also a talented team and still fighting for the postseason. The Broncos might win one of their three remaining games, giving them five wins in total.
Los Angeles
Week 16: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 17: @ Los Angeles Chargers