Behind a defense that gave up less than 16 points a game and forced a league high 43 turnovers, the Chicago Bears were by far the most dominant team in a weak NFC a year ago. On offense, Rex Grossman needs to become much more consistent and cut down on the stupid mistakes. If not, don’t be surprised if veteran Brian Griese gets a shot. Sportsbook.com has posted the Chicago Bears betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII at 15 to 1.
“This team will not repeat last year's performance,” stated Point-Spreads.com NFL Expert Handicapper Brad Marchetti. “I feel like alot of games last year they won luckily. The over under betting odds on season wins totals SHOULD be 9 games this season.”
Grossman’s targets are average at best; however, TE Greg Olsen was an absolute steal at the bottom of the 1st round and could provide immediate help. With the departure of Thomas Jones, former first rounder Cedric Benson will now shoulder the load in the backfield.
Most of the defense remains in tact including a couple of the games best linebackers in Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. However, the defense hit a plateau mid-season and wasn’t nearly as nasty come the post season. DT Tommie Harris was an absolute monster last season until going down with a serious hamstring injury late in the year.
Possibly the key to the Bears returning to the defensive dominance they displayed early on is how big play safety will return from his season ending injury.
The talent is there in Chicago; the key might be avoiding the dreaded “Super Bowl hangover”.
Win the NFC North
Bears 4-13
Lions 11-2
Vikings 6-1
Packers 7-1
Win the NFC
Bears 9-2
Lions 30-1
Vikings 20-1
Packers 18-1
Win the Super Bowl
Bears 15-1
Lions 75-1
Vikings 50-1
Packers 40-1
