NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams
By Brad Rowland
Chicago Bears
Marc Trestman has garnered the “quarterback whisperer” title, and with good reason, as he helped to aid Josh McCown in grabbing big dollars in free agency while maximizing Jay Cutler’s production during his period of healthy play in 2013. In addition to that, the Bears have arguably the best collection of skill talent in the entire NFL, with a top-5 running back in Matt Forte, two elite wide receivers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, and an above-average tight end in Martellus Bennett. In short, the offense could be even better than a top-8 unit from 2013.
Defensively, Chicago was dreadful a year ago, allowing 161.4 yards per game on the ground (last in the league) and finishing 25th in the NFL in defensive DVOA. However, the Bears invested heavily on that side of the ball in the draft (four of their first five picks) and free agency (adding Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston) and that could easily equate to an average unit that would mark a significant upgrade.
The majority of pundits appear to be penciling in the Green Bay Packers atop the NFC North.
Not me.
The Pick: 11-5