NFL Futures: The Chicago Bears won ten games in 2012 but failed to make the playoffs as head coach Lovie Smith was fired after not being able to have an effective offense developed that could compliment one of the best defenses in the NFL. Marc Trestman arrived as head coach last year with the reputation as an offensive mastermind and the Bears immediately showed improvement, especially at QB with Jay Cutler putting up his best numbers ever, but the defense collapsed and the team ended up out of the playoffs yet again, and with just eight total wins. There is not much in the way of evidence that the Monsters of the Midway Defense will be returning for 2014 or that the Bears are ready to return to playoff glory. Chicago opened as a 14/1 choice to win the Super Bowl and at 15/2 to win the NFC championship. The Bears had an over under win total of 8.5 -165 over and +135 under.
Offense Comes Out of Hibernation
Jay Cutler earned a big new contract for his improved season last year as the Bears were the second highest scoring team in the NFL last year. The problem is now on defense as the Bears ranked ab abysmal 30th for points allowed and 30th overall.
Handicapper’s Notes
The Chicago Bears have covered the spread in just eight out of their last 20 road games with just five out of their last 18 away games going under the total. The Bears have come away with the money in just two out of their last 14 games at home with just eight out of their last 20 games at home going under the total. The Bears have covered the spread in just five out of their last 16 games as a favorite with just five out of their last 20 games as a chalk going under the total. Chicago has covered the spread in just five out of their last 20 games as a dog with seven out of their last 11 games as a dog going over the total.
Our Prognosis
The potential for a playoff berth is good as long as the defense can simply play at an average level to compliment the high octane offense.
