2013 Chicago Predictions
The NFC North is the only division heading into the 2013 NFL season that has an overwhelming favorite to run away with the division title.
With NFL football betting times just a short time away, Cappers Picks NFL handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team NFL Season Predictions & Previews for those of us who can’t wait. Bet on the 2014 Super Bowl winner, plus 2013/14 Conference and Divisional winners.
2012 Record: 10-6
ATS: 7-8-1
Bears Odds to win the 2014 NFC North Division: +350
Bears Odds to win the 2014 NFC Conference: 18/1
Bears Odds to win the 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII: 40/1
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And while the Green Bay Packers are listed as -200 favorites, the Chicago Bears are optimistic of building on their 2012 season, which ended with a disappointing 10-6 finish and include their shot at advancing to the playoffs coming to an end after losing the tiebreaker to Minnesota.
Now the Bears will try to put together another strong season and challenge Green Bay for the top spot in the NFC North.
Cappers Picks NFL handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team-by-team NFL Season Predictions & Previews for those of us who can’t wait. Bet on the 2014 Super Bowl winner, plus 2013/14 Conference and Divisional winners.
The Bears stormed out the gate in 2012, winning four out of their first five contests to begin the season, which included a string of six consecutive wins, three of which came after the team’s bye week heading into Week 9.
That allowed Chicago to open up a commanding lead in the division with a 7-1 SU and 5-2-1 ATS record.
But then the wheels fell off the bus and the team dropped five of its next six games, going just 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS over the second half of the campaign. That left the door wide open for the Packers to win the division and Minnesota to snatch the final wild card spot.
Nevertheless, Chicago has high expectations for its Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall combo, but they’ve got a new coach, Marc Trestman, and that could mean setbacks. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Trestman’s transition from the CFL to NFL is likely to be filled with obstacles as he tries to integrate his former strategies from his former league into the American football.
And while there have been a few coaches who’ve made the same shift a success, the Bears are going to need some time to learn, understand and execute Trestman’s systems, That could result in a few lopsided defeats games for the Bears this coming season.
Still, the reunion of Cutler and No. 1 receiver Brandon Marshall should provide enough mogo for the Bear’s offensive punch.
Last year was a major success for the duo, with Marshall hauling in 118 receptions for 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The bad news is that beyond Marshall, the receiving corps is thin, with the exception of Alshon Jeffery who showed some flashes of why many believed him to be the most talented receiver in the 2012 draft.
Nevertheless, Until Jefferey can prove himself as solid No. 2, Trestman may need to rely more on his running strategies, which will employe RB Matt Forte to carry the load again in 2013.
Meanwhile, defensively, the Bears will be without the services of linebacker Brian Urlacher for the first time since 1999, leaving the question of whether Chicago can repeat last year’s defensive performance.
The team was the NFL’s third best scoring defense in the league last season allowing just 17.3 points per game, and finished fifth in total yardage surrendering 315.6 total yards per game.
Even minus Urlacher, the Bears have plenty of veteran defensive leaders including Lance Briggs, Julius Peppers and Major Wright.
Bears Betting Outlook:
The Chicago Bears have tons of talent on both sides of the ball and with a little extra motivation to avenge their tiebreaker loss last year, should be able to sneak into the playoffs at very least.
Realistically, I see a sold 11-5 finish and expect them to go 2-2 in the first four games under Trestman.
Chicago is the one team that can challenge Green Bay for a division title, providing its coach and players can gel early on.
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