Bears predictions: Week 1 vs. Titans

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Sunday’s Bears season opener at Soldier Field:

Rick Morrissey

Bears, 24-17

Everything seems to point toward a good debut for Caleb Williams at Soldier Field — Southern California-like weather, a roster full of talented skill position players and an opponent coming off a 6-11 season. Last season: 11-6.

Rick Telander

Bears, 24-21

We don’t seem to think much of the Titans, maybe because they used be the Houston Oilers. But unknowns like 6-4, 367-pound rookie nose tackle D’Vondre Sweat worry me. Don’t fall on Caleb! Last season: 11-6.

Scoop Jackson

Bears, 31-16

After being the best team in the NFL during preseason (4-0 record, +68 point differential, 28.8 points per game, the only team with a +100 in total points, etc.) the Bears will continue their new re-introduction to the world. Last season: 12-5.

Patrick Finley

Bears, 20-9

This is the perfect spot for the Bears to start the season — at home against a Titans team predicted to be one of the worst in the NFL. Only the Giants, Panthers and Patriots have longer odds to win the Super Bowl. Last season: 13-4.

Jason Lieser

Bears, 23-17

Plan on some good and some bad from Williams in his debut, but the Bears have enough talent around him to get by with that type of performance. Last season: 10-7.

Mark Potash

Bears, 23-17

The Bears offense figures to be clunky in Williams’ first NFL game, but that’s less likely to be costly at home against the rebuilding Titans under first-year coach Brian Callahan. Last season: 11-6.