In a division that includes a 13-win team from 2022, the one that finished in last place with just three victories has the backing of some bettors heading into the NFL season because they believe the quarterback will make “The Leap.”
Not a leap at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, where Jordan Love is now the starter following the departure of Aaron' Rodgers. Rather, it’s Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears who have been the apple of the eye of some sports bettors, convinced the third-year quarterback can help restore the Monsters of the Midway to a place atop a wide-open NFC North.
Fields will get an immediate opportunity to live up to the hype since Chicago opens the season at home Sunday against Love and Green Bay — the 207th time the archrivals will have met overall. The 11th overall pick in 2021 is 0-4 against the Packers despite moments of brilliance — he had a 55-yard touchdown run in last year’s matchup at Soldier Field before Rodgers rallied the Packers with 18 fourth-quarter points to deal the Bears a 28-19 defeat.
That game somewhat encapsulates Fields’ first two seasons in the Windy City — moments when his elite two-way athleticism can create highlight-reel plays, but not often enough to get Chicago over the hump. The Bears went 3-14 last year despite Fields rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns while throwing for 2,242 yards and 17 TDs.