Looking back on Week 1 is hard — the Chicago Bears dominated a middling Minnesota Vikings team before losing late. At the time, it felt like equal parts the Bears folding to their old ways and the Vikings maintaining a winning mettle.

But in retrospect, given the shape of the season, it sure feels like a missed opportunity. After McCarthy won Offensive Player of the Week, he has been downright bad, to the tune of a 65 Passer Rating and 27 QBR, both figures near league worst. In a vacuum, the Bears could be 7-2 right now, alone atop the NFC North and with a clear path to the playoffs. Instead, they are on the edge of the playoffs and in desperate need of a statement win.

As we pass the mid-point of the season, these teams have a lot to play for, with major players with a lot to prove. My

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