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2016 NFL Season: Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick (7) and Blaine Gabbert (2) on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears (9-7)

Biggest Strength:  John Fox

History shows it’s never wise to bet against John Fox coming out of his first season with a team.  The Panthers went from 7-9 to 11-5 his first years in Carolina.  The Broncos went from 8-8 to 13-3.  He understands better than most about the process of building and molding a team into winners.  Such experience cannot be discounted as he prepares to uphold that reputation.

Biggest Weakness:  Secondary

The fact that they did not sign a notable free agent or use a top three draft pick at safety or cornerback was puzzling to most outsiders.  Perhaps they should’ve, but the Bears have clearly shown faith in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who can be a wizard with overlooked defensive backs.  Either way the fact remains they have no star to build around at either position.

Final Record Reason

Chicago will be a much better team than they’ve been the past two years.  The defense will shut some opponents down and the offense, health permitting might produce a couple of surprise blowouts.  Even so there are still one too many weak spots on their roster.  One more off-season will be needed to plug them up and prepare them to wage their assault on the NFC North.

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