The Chicago Bears lost their 10th straight game in Sunday’s season finale against the Minnesota Vikings, extending the franchise-record losing streak.
However, with a Houston Texans win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Bears have secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Quarterback Justin Fields was on the bench with a hip injury and Chicago relied on backup quarterbacks Nathan Peterman and Tim Boyle in the 29-13 loss. The two combined for 141 yards one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Bears trailed in the first quarter 6-0 and went into halftime down 16-6. The Vikings would play their starters until the third quarter when quarterback Kirk Cousins left the game in the third quarter in favor of backup Nick Mullens.
In the third quarter, Mullens would lead a 75-yard scoring drive capped by an Alexander Mattison run to give the Vikings a 23-6 lead. The Bears would add another score thanks to Cole Kmet’s touchdown catch. The former Notre Dame tight end had a breakout year with 50 receptions for 544 yards and seven touchdowns (a career high) despite the Bears’ 3-14 record.
With the regular season coming to an end and Chicago earning the No.1 pick, fans will be excited speculating on what general manager Ryan Poles and his staff will do this offseason both in the draft and free agency.