Chicago Bears 2022 NFL Season Betting Preview (Matt Eberflus Has Tough Challenge in First Year as Head Coach)

Bears fans can rejoice in the fact that the Matt Nagy era is over in Chicago, but does that mean they're in for a successful 2022 campaign?

I wouldn't bet on it.

Matt Eberflus, the former Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator, is the new head coach of the Bears. This will be his first time as a head coach, so nobody knows what to expect from the 52-year old.

There are also question marks surrounding quarterback Justin Fields, who is entering his first full season as the starter.

Let's dive into how the oddsmakers project they'll fare in the upcoming season.

Chicago Bears 2022 Offseason Moves, Signings, Coaching Changes

• Fired HC Matt Nagy, Hired Colts DC Matt Eberflus as new HC.
• Selected CB Kyler Gordon 39th overall with their first draft pick.
• Traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers for a 2022 2nd round pick and a 2023 6th round pick.
• Traded a 7th round draft pick to the New England Patriots for WR N'Keal Harry.

Chicago Bears 2022 Schedule

According to Sharpfootballanalysis.com, the Bears have the 4th easiest schedule in the NFL based on their opponents projected win totals.

The Bears start their season off with a couple of tough matchups. They take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1, and then travel to Green Bay for a Week 2 Sunday Night Football showdown.

They also have back-to-back prime time games starting with Thursday Night Football in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders, and Monday night Football in Week 7 against the New England Patriots.

Chicago Bears 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 6.5 Wins (+125)
• UNDER 6.5 Wins (-150)

The Chicago Bears' poor offensive play isn't a new situation for fans of the team, but they usually have a strong defense to back them up. That's not the case in 2022.

They were average at best last year, ranking 15th in opponent yards per play and 21st in opponent points per game, and then they got worse by trading away Khalil Mack.

Now, when looking at their defensive lineup, there are hardly any names you'll recognize. Outside of Robert Quinn, Roquon Smith, and Eddie Jackson, their defense is a shell of its former glory and lacks the depth to strike intimidation in their opponents.

Then we have the offense.

Let's call it like it is. Justin Fields had a disappointing 2021 season. He completely just 58.9% of passes, and threw 10 interceptions compared to only 7 touchdowns. Even if he does take a step forward this season, he has nobody to throw to. The Bears top wide receivers right now are Darnell Mooney, N'Keal Harry, and Byron Pringle. Yikes.

Even with the easy schedule, I'll take the under on their win total.

Pick: UNDER 6.5 Wins (-150)

Chicago Bears 2022 Odds to Win NFC North, NFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: +450
• Odds to Win NFC North: +1400
• Odds to Win NFC: +7000
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +15000

You know things are bad when you have worse odds than the Detroit Lions to win your division.

Listen, I'm not going to trash on the Bears even more than I already have. What I will say, is that I think the NFC North is more wide open than a lot of people think. We'll see what happens with the Packers now that Davante Adams is in Las Vegas, but they may not be as big of a lock as some assume.

If you disagree with everything I've written. If you think Justin Fields is the next big thing. If you think Matt Eberflus will turn things around in a hurry, then go ahead and sprinkle on them to make the playoffs at +450, or even win the division at +1400 if you want to get crazy.

As for me, I'd rather bet on them to finish with the worst record in the NFL at +1000.

Follow along with BetSided's picks on Betstamp all season long