Chicago Bears
Preseason power ranking: No. 25
Breakout player: Cole Kmet, TE
Kmet more than doubled his targets, catches and yards from his rookie season to Year 2. The chemistry he has built with Justin Fields has consistently been on display throughout the offseason and only projects to increase as he becomes one of the quarterback's top weapons in 2022. With Jimmy Graham gone, the third-year tight end can expect to inherit those red zone opportunities and cement himself as a foundational player in the Bears' offense. -- Courtney Cronin
The season will be a success if ... Justin Fields shows tangible signs of improvement.
The Bears have a lot of work to do in building around the former first-round pick, and they won't truly know whether he's their long-term option until the end of this season. Chicago hasn't put Fields in position to succeed yet, but if he can prove he is the right player to build around, the Bears will take a step toward solving their chronic quarterback issues. -- Cronin
Impact newcomer: Kyler Gordon, CB
The Bears' top draft pick is in line to start at nickel corner in Week 1. The notoriously difficult position is one Gordon assumed immediately in training camp, and he has shown off his incredible range playing both inside and outside. Gordon provides clarity at a position that has been rife with uncertainty. The Bears will be leaning on his contributions to turn around a secondary that struggled mightily last season. -- Cronin
Fantasy breakout candidate: Justin Fields, QB
Fields has an opportunity to produce lower-end QB1 numbers this season in a new offensive system that will cater to his dual-threat traits. In 2021, Fields rushed for 420 yards -- and two scores -- in just 12 games played. And with more play-action and misdirection concepts, the Bears can set the table for Fields on schemed throws to the second and third level of the defense. -- Matt Bowen
Over or under 6.5 wins? Under
The Bears hired a first-time head coach (Matt Eberflus) and didn't help Fields by adding playmakers or upgrading the offensive line. There will be few games this season in which the Bears won't be underdogs. -- Eric Moody
Bold prediction for 2022: Safety Jaquan Brisker will lead all rookies in interceptions.
In Eberflus' system, Brisker can play top down on the ball and create disruption in the middle of the field. The second-round pick out of Penn State brings a playmaking element to Chicago. -- Bowen
Our experts answer questions, pick breakout players, make bold predictions and give fantasy tips ahead of Week 1.
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