The Bears and the Broncos have opened the 2023 season with 0-3 starts. Who can pull themselves out of the NFL’s basement first? Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Live updates

FINAL | Broncos 31, Bears 28

CHICAGO — The grand opening for Sean Payton’s Denver rendition of “Club Dub” suffered delays and setbacks over the past three weeks.

It was supposed to debut to rave reviews in early September, but the drywall wasn’t up yet. Then Washington came to town for the premiere and the sound system shorted out. By the time the Broncos flew home from South Florida, you might have thought the whole thing burned to the ground.

But finally, the celebration arrived as the calendar flipped to October. In Payton’s hometown, no less. Delayed but not muted. It shouldn’t have been this difficult, really, to find reason to crank the locker room music on an autumn Sunday. But finally Denver did after a wild, 31-28 victory over the heat-seeking-turned-hapless Bears, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

MORE BRONCOS COVERAGE

Kiszla: Broncos didn’t win game for Sean Payton, they averted another crisis of grumpy coach’s making.
Rookies Marvin Mims Jr., Jaleel McLaughlin provide spark in Broncos’ comeback win over Bears.
Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the Broncos? Tap here to ask beat writer Parker Gabriel.
Broncos defense puts historically bad run in rearview mirror to snuff out Bears late.
Broncos report card: Denver roars to life in the second half, staves off second straight “F” fest.
Broncos four downs: Over two quarters, QB Russell Wilson and Vance Joseph’s much-maligned defense saved Denver’s season.
Heroes and Zeros from Broncos’ win over Bears: Nik Bonitto gets opportunity and delivers for defense.
PHOTOS: Denver Broncos get comeback win over Chicago Bears in NFL Week 4.

Fourth-quarter updates

Game (1:56 p.m.): Kareem Jackson with the pick. Ballgame. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos are going to win. Just like we all thought all week. No sweat. — Parker Gabriel

Massive penalty (1:54 p.m.): Justin Fields was called for intentional grounding. Second down and 21 with 45 seconds to go for the Bears. No timeouts left for Chicago. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos take lead (1:49 p.m.): Wil Lutz nails a 51-yard field goal. Broncos 31, Bears 28 with 1:46 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Wil Lutz hit a draw from 51 yards out, and the Broncos have scored 24 straight to take a 31-28 lead with 1:46 to go. One more defensive stop and Sean Payton will have his first win in Denver. — Matt Schubert

Absolute heist (1:48 p.m.): This would be an absolute heist if the Broncos win this thing. The Bears had at least 3-4 opportunities to put this game away and could not. Absolutely shocking. — Matt Schubert

Rookie highlight (1:45 p.m.): Marvin Mims, y’all. — Parker Gabriel

And the Broncos are in field-goal range after Russell Wilson connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for a 33-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen

BRONCOS STOP! (1:44 p.m.): The Bears inexplicably tried a draw from shotgun and the Broncos stuff it. Unbelievable turn of events. — Matt Schubert

Going for it again (1:43 p.m.): Bears try to get the Broncos to jump. Still fourth-and-1 at the Denver 18-yard line. Just 2:52 left. And they are going to go for it anyway. — Matt Schubert

Going for it (1:42 p.m.): The Bears are driving. And now it comes down to fourth and 1 deep in Broncos territory. Gotta believe the Bears will go for this. — Matt Schubert

Khalil Herbert show (1:37 p.m.): Huge runs for the Chicago running back, who has 14 carries for 95 yards on the ground today. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos defense (1:27 p.m.): And we have a game! Justin Field fumbles the ball after Nik Bonitto rushes him, then Jonathon Cooper recovers the ball and rumbles 35 yards for the touchdown. Broncos 28, Bears 28 with 6:55 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Nik Bonitto! The Broncos make a play on defense!! Scoop and score for Jonathon Cooper and it’s a tie ballgame folks. Unbelievable. What a turn of events for Denver and this defense. That’s Bonitto’s third sack of the game. 28-all with 6:55 left. — Matt Schubert

Touchdown, Broncos (1:20 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Courtland Sutton for a 13-yard touchdown. Bears 28, Broncos 21 with 9:36 remaining. — Joe Nguyen

Russell Wilson finds Courtland Sutton for a touchdown on the third third-down conversion of the drive. We got a game, folks. 28-21 Bears with 9:36 left in the fourth quarter. — Matt Schubert

Hurting themselves (1:18 p.m.): For those not counting, we’re now at five false starts for the Broncos. — Matt Schubert

Run, rookie, run (1:13 p.m.): Another big run for Jaleel McLaughlin — 12 yards for the first down. — Joe Nguyen

Forced punt (1:10 p.m.): New life for the Broncos? Denver’s defense forced the Bears to punt for the first time since the game’s opening drive and Marvin Mims Jr. returned the punt 25 yards to Denver’s 34-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

BRONCOS STOP! Hey, this thing ain’t over after all. The Bears finally have to punt and the Broncos have the ball at their own 35-yard line after a 26-yard return from rookie Marvin Mims Jr. 28-14 Bears with 13:56 left in the fourth quarter. — Matt Schubert

Third-quarter analysis — Bears 28, Broncos 14

Matt Schubert, sports editor: That Jaleel McLaughlin sure looks great, doesn’t he?

Third-quarter updates

Touchdown, Broncos (1:01 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Brandon Johnson for the 4-yard touchdown. Bears 28, Broncos 14 with 14 seconds to go in the third. — Joe Nguyen

A big gain from, guess who, Jaleel McLaughlin jumpstarts the Broncos offense. And, despite the offensive line’s fifth false start of the game, Denver is able to get in the end zone when Russell Wilson finds a wide open Brandon Johnson for a touchdown. It’s 28-14 Bears late in the third quarter. I’d like to say the Broncos are back in it, but that would require multiple stops from this defense. Color me skeptical. — Matt Schubert

Rookie run (12:56 p.m.): Big gain by Jaleel McLaughlin, gaining 34 yards to get Denver to the Chicago 26-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Bears (12:51 p.m.): Justin Fields completes his fourth touchdown of the day, connecting with Khalil Herbert for a 2-yard score. Bears 28, Broncos 7 with 4:11 to go. — Joe Nguyen

It just keeps getting worse. Multiple third-down conversions, including Justin Fields shaking off a sure-fire Broncos sack on third-and-goal, produces yet another Bears touchdown. Is this worse than Miami’s 70-burger? No. But it’s really, really bad. — Matt Schubert

Casa Bonitto II (12:44 p.m.): Nik Bonitto one of the lone bright spots today this Broncos defense. Been making some noise off the edge and just got a sack there. — Matt Schubert

Injury update (12:42 p.m.): Broncos ruled RB Javonte Williams (hip) OUT for the remainder of the game. — Parker Gabriel

Stagnation all around (12:40 p.m.): OK, so now it’s the defense AND the offense. First four (almost snaps): Jerry Jeudy drop, Jaleel McLaughlin 9-yard gain, false start, hold that wasn’t called on long Russell Wilson incompletion. That’s the third consecutive three-and-out for the Broncos. — Matt Schubert

Halftime analysis — Bears 21, Broncos 7

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Perhaps this team is showing its interest in Lincoln Riley’s quarterback by doing its best impression of Lincoln Riley’s defense.

Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Have the Broncos quit on Sean Payton?

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: A discussion needs to be had on whether the Broncos have quit on Sean Payton. The lack of effort is glaring on both sides of the ball. And yeah, Wilson has played better but not worth $245 million. It’s time for the organization to realize that this team is broken.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: The Broncos defense finally turned the tide by forcing an incompletion on the final play of the second half. This is how it starts, folks.

Second-quarter updates

Sack (12:17 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper gives Denver’s defense a lift, sacking Justin Fields. — Joe Nguyen

Wide open (12:16 p.m.): The Bears’ pass-catchers are wide open. Every play. There will be no more “speed” excuses after this one. This Denver defense is just plain bad. And it has been pretty much all season. The Bears are on the march again, and if they get 24-28 points in one half, Vance Joseph probably should just stay in the locker room. — Matt Schubert

Stagnant offense (12:12 p.m.): After scoring a touchdown on their opening drive, the Broncos have punted in each of their last three drives. First drive: 11 plays for 84 yards. Since: 12 plays for 41 yards. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Bears (12:02 p.m.): Justin Fields rolls to the right and connects with Cole Kmet for a 3-yard touchdown. Extra point good. Bears 21, Broncos 7 with 6:08 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Justin Fields has been cooking teams all season, right? — Matt Schubert

It’s official. The Broncos are broken. — Ryan McFadden

Flea-flicker (11:57 a.m.): Bears’ poor attempt at a flea flicker turns into a 21-yard gain. Denver’s defense is so bad that it’s comical. — Ryan McFadden

Bad blocking attempt (11:50 a.m.): Right after that good run, McLaughlin whiffed on a block. Russell Wilson gets sacked for a 9-yard loss. — Joe Nguyen

Running back Jaleel McGlaughlin rips off a big run, then fails to pick up a first-down blitzer and Russell Wilson is sacked. Two plays illustrating the ceiling and floor of everyone’s favorite undrafted rookie.

Broncos punt, and this could get ugly if the defense doesn’t show up soon. — Matt Schubert

Run, McLaughlin, run (11:49 a.m.): No Javonte? No problem. Jaleel McLaughlin just ran for a 14-yard gain on the opening play of the Broncos’ drive. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Bears (11:45 a.m.): Justin Fields connects with Cole Kmet for the 22-yard touchdown. Extra point good. Bears 14, Broncos 7 with 11:44 to go. — Joe Nguyen

I see we’ve reached the point of the game where the opposing QB is putting up career numbers on this Broncos defense. Nobody within 10 yards of Cole Kmet on that TD pass. — Matt Schubert

Tua Tagovailoa completed 17 straight passes against Denver’s secondary last week. On Sunday, Justin Fields has completed nine straight passes. — Ryan McFadden

Javonte Williams injury (11:43 a.m.): Broncos RB Javonte Williams is questionable to return with a hip injury. — Ryan McFadden

Three-and-out (11:39 a.m.): That was an unfortunate series of events for the Broncos. After the muffed kickoff, Denver’s offense had three plays for minus-1 yards. Riley Dixon’s punt only went 38 yards. Chicago will start the ball on the Denver 44. — Joe Nguyen

Muffed kickoff (11:37 a.m.): Marvin Mims with his first big mistake. Muffed a kickoff and just got it back before he got swallowed up. #Broncos start from their own 4-yard line. — Parker Gabriel

And there it is: Marvin Mims Jr’s first rookie moment. — Matt Schubert

Touchdown, Bears (11:34 a.m.): It’s confirmed. Extra point good. Broncos 7, Bears 7 with 14:53 to go. — Joe Nguyen

OK, so maybe it is a touchdown? Well, it counts anyway. Not sure why. — Matt Schubert

Touchdown, Bears? (11:30 a.m.): Justin Fields connected with D.J. Moore for a 29-yard touchdown. The play is under review. — Joe Nguyen

That is no touchdown. — Matt Schubert

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Bears 0

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos offense should be able to do whatever it wants today. Only question is if they stop themselves. And if they can stop this vaunted Bears offense.

Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Broncos are back, baby! Well, kinda. But 7-0 lead. So not bad.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s scoring drive was perfectly executed. Wilson was efficient and that block by Quinn Meinerz on McLaughlin’s touchdown was big time. Bears quarterback Justin Fields have looked solid as well.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Remarkably fewer missed tackles to begin this game for the Broncos defense, which also benefitted from a gutless decision from the Bears not to go for it on fourth down. As has been the case so far this season, the offense looks just fine. But can VJ’s unit hold down the fort?

First-quarter updates

Fourth-down conversion (11:26 a.m.): On fourth-and-inches, the Bears converted to continue their drive. — Joe Nguyen

Touchdown, Broncos (11:18 a.m.): Russell Wilson connected with Jaleel McLaughlin, who scrambled for an 18-yard touchdown. Extra point good. Broncos 7, Bears 0 with 7:08 to go in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen

Jaleel McGlaughlin! That’s what we saw in the preseason. Give the young fella some space, and he makes something happen. Excellent start for the Broncos offense — albeit aided by a bizarre flag. — Matt Schubert

Red zone (11:16 a.m.): The Broncos are threatening in the red zone. Russell Wilson is 5 for 6 for 41 yards. — Joe Nguyen

Offense rolling (11:14 a.m.): The Broncos are testing Chicago’s banged up secondary early. Wilson threw the ball on the first three plays and connected with wideout Jerry Jeudy on a 18-yard completion. — Ryan McFadden

Questionable punt (11:10 a.m.): Gotta say, don’t understand the Bears punting there one bit. As bad as their offense has been, I would think they would want to capitalize on some early momentum. On the other side of the coin: Nice start for the Broncos defense and Nik Bonitto, in particular. — Matt Schubert

Casa Bonitto (11:06 a.m.): The Broncos’ pass rush — which hasn’t been great this year — came up big on that play. Nik Bonitto wrapped up Justin Fields for the sack. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos second-year OLB Nik Bonitto is making his presence felt early. He stopped Justin Fields on a designed run then sacked him for a loss of four. — Ryan McFadden

Coin toss (11:02 a.m.): Broncos win… the coin toss. They’ll defer and put their defense on the field first today. — Parker Gabriel

Pre-game updates

Rookie watch (9:42 a.m.): Interesting to check on the Broncos rookie so far this year. WR Marvin Mims, Jr. is an ascending player. ILB Drew Sanders is likely to make his second straight start this week. CB Riley Moss is healthy now and playing ST at least. We’ll see if he works his way into a bigger role. Forsyth and Skinner have been healthy scratches the first month of the season. Among undraftees, RB Jaleel McLaughlin’s had a small role, TE Nate Adkins’ role has increased with Greg Dulcich hurt, OLB Thomas Incoom’s seen snaps here and there OT Alex Palczewski is eligible to return from IR in the coming days. — Parker Gabriel

Broncos inactives today (9:34 a.m.): S Justin Simmons (hip/groin), OLB Frank Clark (hip), ILB Josey Jewell (hip/groin), DL Mike Purcell (ribs), S JL Skinner, OLB Ronnie Perkins and C Alex Forsyth. — Parker Gabriel

Justin Simmons update (9:15 a.m.): Justin Simmons is standing on the Broncos’ sideline in tennis shoes while others go through early stretch stuff on the field. Doesn’t look like he’ll go today. — Parker Gabriel

Good morning from Soldier Field (9 a.m.): It’s a beautiful, not-windy morning in the Windy City. The turf looks … actually good for a change here. Everything’s great except for the records in this matchup today. One of the Broncos and Bears will be among just two 0-4 teams in the NFL. How’s that for high drama?

We’ll be on the lookout for Justin Simmons’ status today after he was listed as questionable with a hip/groin injury Friday. The fact that he was downgraded from a limited participant early in the week to not practicing Friday doesn’t bode particularly well, but final word comes 90 minutes before kickoff. — Parker Gabriel

Scouting report (9 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Bears in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 35, Bears 17

Would it be more interesting if Denver loses and goes to 0-4? Oh yeah. But the thing about getting embarrassed early in the season is most pro teams, even bad ones, will come back with some juice the next week. A Bears scout in the postgame elevator in Miami shook his head and said, “Well, we’re going to get their best shot next week.” Might be out on a limb, but that’s the bet here.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 24, Bears 16

The Broncos are motivated after last week’s horror show. They will finally get in the win column and ease the “Tank for Caleb Williams” discussion for another week. Still, it’s the Broncos, so don’t expect this to be an easy win.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 24, Bears 23

The loser of the Titanic Tilt drops to 0-4, sinks to the bottom of the league standings and firmly establishes itself as an early leader in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes in the NFL draft. Is that enough motivation to root for the Bears in this game, Broncos Country?

Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 30, Bears 20

The best thing for this franchise would be to cinch rock bottom, to lose to the silly, sorry Bears, and lock down an inside track for the No. 1 pick. But because these are the Broncos, they’ll come out hopping mad, play their best game of the season, kick the Monsters of the Midway around, and eventually use a lot of clips from Week 4 on the season-ending highlight reel to justify the glory of finishing 6-11.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Broncos 27, Bears 17

Movable object (Broncos defense) meets stoppable force (Bears offense). Get ready for some top-notch NFL entertainment … and the Broncos’ first win. As bad as the Denver defense was last week, the offense continues to be competent. That should carry the day in the Windy City.

Broncos-Bears NFL Week 4: Must-reads

Broncos run game has shown flashes with Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. Now it’s time for some consistency.

Denver’s run game, supposedly the foundation of the offense, has flashed through three weeks.

Running back Samaje Perine had 78 total yards in the season opener. Last week against the Dolphins, Javonte Williams turned a short pass from Russell Wilson into a 17-yard gain and later powered up the middle for a 16-yard run.

But flashes are temporary. The Broncos hope to turn those small sample sizes into a consistent effort on Sunday against the Bears and for the rest of the season, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.

Broncos and Bears took different approaches to 2021 NFL draft — only to end up in eerily similar positions

A week before his first draft as an NFL general manager, George Paton’s phone rang more than he picked up and dialed. Holding the No. 9 selection, Paton knew several teams would be taking quarterbacks early. He said as much in his pre-draft news conference, speculating as many as five could go in the top 10.

The Broncos ended up with an All-Pro. The Bears landed a dynamic quarterback who has yet to show he can cut it as an NFL passer.

More importantly, neither team has done much in the win-loss column since. The Broncos went 7-10 in 2021, 5-12 last year and are now 0-3 for a mark of 12-25. The Bears? 6-11, 3-14 and 0-3 to 9-28. They meet Sunday as teams that not only could again be picking near the top of the draft next spring, but may also face crossroads decisions with their 2021 selections after this season, though for different reasons, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Kiszla: Have 0-3 Broncos hit rock bottom? Frank Clark says: “This is going to be a season of grit. We’re going to have to take some (bleep).”

How low can the Broncos go? I fear there is no bottom, because this team has no foundation of strong leadership to stand on.

The worst part of surrendering 70 points was how the Broncos quit on themselves. At 0-3, the players in Denver’s locker room are no longer playoff contenders, but a punch line. And make no mistake, they hear the abuse that results from giving up 10 touchdowns in a single game.

“That noise is real loud. You’re going to hear it. But it’s about what you retain,” Broncos edge-rusher Frank Clark told me Thursday. Read Mark Kiszla’s column.

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