We are now 10 weeks into the 2023 NFL season, and as fans and analysts closely follow the playoff picture, there is another intriguing competition taking place on the opposite end of the spectrum. The race for the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has captured attention, with several teams vying for the opportunity to secure their future.

Currently, four teams emerge as favorites in the chase to win the Caleb Williams sweepstakes: the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and Bill Belichick's New England Patriots. The question on everyone's mind is, which of these squads will emerge as the "top contender" for the next eight weeks? Let's delve into the contenders.

The Chicago Bears find themselves in a unique position after their move in the 2023 NFL Draft. In a strategic trade, the Bears traded away the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. In return, they acquired wide receiver D.J. Moore, two picks in the 2023 draft, the Panthers' 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. With their own pick, as well as the one obtained from the Panthers, the Bears currently hold a chance to secure the top pick in the draft. Their current record stands at 3-7, offering them a significant opportunity to reset and rebuild.

Meanwhile, the Panthers, who traded away their first-round pick to the Bears, have struggled to find success with their previous top pick, Bryce Young. While Young has yet to lead the Panthers to desired heights, C.J. Stroud, selected as the No. 2 overall pick, has surprisingly emerged as a contender for the league's MVP title. However, the Panthers' current record of 1-8 leaves them in a nightmare scenario, as they no longer control their own destiny.

In this lottery drawing for the top pick, the Bears hold the advantage, as they possess two chances to secure it. According to SportsLine data scientist Stephen Oh, the Bears boast a 38.4% chance of clinching the No. 1 overall pick and a staggering 90.9% chance of securing a top-three selection. This puts them in a position of strength as they navigate the remaining weeks of the season.

While the race for the No. 1 overall pick may not garner the same excitement as the playoff chase, it holds immense significance for teams aiming to rebuild and rejuvenate their rosters. The outcome of the next eight weeks will shape the future of these franchises as they look to secure the best possible prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. Football fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the fortunes of the Bears, Giants, Cardinals, and Patriots, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the draft order come next year.