The 2012 NFL season is imminent and the Chicago Bears will be looking to bounce back from a 2011 season that was derailed by injuries. They'll start that campaign in Week 1 by hosting the Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck in the No. 1 overall pick's first regular season game as a pro. The Colts are expected to be significantly better than they were last season, but the game is still a nice, soft opening for the Bears.
The Green Bay Packers, though, don't have it as easy. The Chicago rival will open the season with the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to once again field one of the top defenses in the NFL. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, are likely to dine on a cupcake as they open by hosting the St. Louis Rams. The same could be said for the Minnesota Vikings, who will welcome the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that is relegating its best player, Maurice Jones-Drew, to third down duties after the back held out for the preseason.
For the week's full slate of games, check out SI.com's weekly schedule.
For more on the Bears, check out Windy City Gridiron. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out SB Nation's NFL news hub.
