2008 Chicago Bears NFL Betting Preview - Betus Sportsbook

Chicago Bears
2007 Record: 7-9
ATS: 7-9
Super Bowl Odds: 50-1

It would be putting it mildly to say the Bears were a big disappointment last season. Just removed from a Super Bowl appearance, they only won 7 games, finishing 7-9 ATS and failed to make the playoffs. The continuing QB carousel did produce over 3000 yards through the air, but turnovers kept the Bears from getting back to the playoffs. It didn’t help that the running game faded away without Thomas Jones. Perhaps the most damaging issue for the Bears was the struggle of their once-reliable defense. The Bears’ defense ranked 27th in passing yards allowed and 24th in rushing yards allowed, through they were 16th in points allowed.

Chicago did make an effort to improve, but it probably won’t pay off this season. Among the 12 players drafted, they should be able to find a number of solid players to fill holes. RB Cedric Benson had lost weight and was in much better shape coming into camp but a pair of field incident forced Chicago to cut the young runner. Chicago did not do their offensive game any favors by letting their leading receiver Bernard Berrian walk to the Vikings through free agency. Their second-leading receiver, Adrian Peterson, is a running back. This will put a lot of pressure on rookie wideout Earl Bennett to step in and start right away. Heading into the season the Bears have too many questions surrounding them to be considered favorites. Their QB situation is still very shaky with Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton competing again for the starting spot. At least they proved to be somewhat profitable for o/u bettors in 2007 with a 9-7 o/u record, including 5-3 at Soldier Field. About the only way Chicago can contend for the postseason is if the rest of the division struggles.

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[Sports Handicapper]

The Bears could surprise but it's not too likely. They rely entirely too much on a special teams playmaker to give them opportunities for success on offense. The defense is still solid but not dominant. Until the Bears have a solid QB they will continue to struggle. Could Orton or Grossman put it together this season? I doubt it.