Chicago Bears 2016 Team Preview: It’s Cutler Time
By Erik Lambert
Final Prediction
Based on in-depth evaluations and tape, this Chicago Bears team is not only better than the one that finished 2015, but a lot better. Even so, that doesn’t guarantee instant success. This still has the feel of a roster that is a year away from being at a level where it is ready to make a serious push in the NFC North. That’s not to say they can’t make a surprise early run. Even midway through last year it was felt they had some chances but lost some tough, tight games.
Assuming the schedule really is lighter this year, and projections support that, then there is no reason the Bears can’t be in the thick of things come December. What it comes down to is a mix of health and luck. Neither is within their control, so what they can do is play as hard as and as smart as they can. If they do that and catch a few fortunate bounces they’ll be in the playoffs.
Taking everything into account, expect the Bears to finish with a 9-7 record. That probably won’t be good enough to reach the postseason, but it will be a significant step in the right direction and set up sky high expectations for 2017.