Chicago Bears: Predicting The Final 8 Games of 2016

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) during the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a touch down against Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a touch down against Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

vs. Washington Redskins

This time there isn’t any weak division or late-game magic for the Washington Redskins. They’re being exposed for the mediocre team they are. They will win some games against good teams and then lose games against bad ones. Everybody knows the Bears should’ve beaten them last year but a series of bad mistakes cost them. This is another shot at redemption. Chicago hasn’t beaten the Redskins since 2003. Hopefully a full 60-minute effort will finally get them over the hump.

Result:  Win

@ Minnesota Vikings

At some point the slew of injuries they suffered was bound to catch up to them. Now the Vikings are paying for it. Their 5-0 start seems like a distant memory after three-straight losses. The Bears handled them pretty well at Soldier Field on Monday Night. It’s hard to see how much Minnesota will be able to fix between now and the end of the season. Adrian Peterson might return, which would be a help. That likely won’t solve their ongoing offensive line issues. The defense and the crowd noise will be big factors, but there’s a good chance the Bears will be the hotter team.

Result:  Win

Final Record:  8-8

The sad truth of it is the Chicago Bears really screwed themselves in the early part of the season. They’ve left zero room for error and that’s never a good thing in the NFL. Odds are they’ll lose a couple tough games that will kill their playoff hopes. Even so, to start 1-6 on a season and finish 8-8 is a tremendous accomplishment and will give them loads of momentum going into 2017.