The Chicago Bears have become one of the more intriguing teams in the NFL. Despite going just 3-14 in 2022, the worst record in the league, the emergence of Justin Fields has provided the organization with direction and hope.
Chicago proved their faith in Field by trading away the first overall pick in the draft in exchange for two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and D.J. Moore. The Bears hope that Moore can produce as a true number one wide receiver that the team was missing. The Panthers will now select first overall with the expectation being they will select their potential quarterback of the future.
In addition, the Bears made some notable defensive additions this offseason by signing LBs TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds who are expected to provide the franchise with stability. D’Onta Foreman was brought in as a change-of-pace running back while several additions on the offensive and defensive lines have also been made. With the NFL Draft set to begin this week, the Bears will be a notable team to watch but the signs of progress in the organization is clear.
What do the odds say?
Over 7.5 wins, +160 to make playoffs (-190 to miss)
+330 to win NFC North (Lions +140, Vikings +250, Packers +500)
+5000 to win the Super Bowl (9 teams with worse odds, 3 teams tied with +5000). Most Illinois DFS Bets are considered to be trending in a negative direction due to the overall competitive nature of the division.
It should be noted that each of these numbers is a notable stride forward from last year’s expectations and results. Coming into the 2022 season, Chicago held a season’s wins over/under of 5.5 which they did not reach. They also held +900 odds to win the NFC North which they ultimately finished last.
Last Year’s Results
The Bears ranked last in the NFL in points allowed last season at 27.2 points per game. The defense also ranked last in net yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns. Chicago was 29 th in total yards allowed, 31 st in rushing yards allowed, and 28 th in first downs allowed.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bears produced 19.2 points per game, ranking 23 rd
in the NFL. They were 28 th in yards produced, 27 th in turnovers, 32 nd in passing attempts and passing yards, as well as dead last in net yards per attempt. They did show signs of
life running the ball as they finished the season first in rushing yards, second in rush attempts, and seventh in rushing touchdowns.
The development of Justin Fields will be the biggest storyline to watch this season. As a
rookie in 2021, Fields played in 12 games where threw for 1870 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 420 yards from scrimmage and made his way to the endzone twice.
Last season, Fields took a step further in his development and managed to earn his way to finishing 9 th in MVP voting. He threw for 2242 yards along with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Ohio State product also tallied 1143 yards from scrimmage and punched his way into the endzone on the ground eight times. Fields led the NFL in
yards per attempt on the ground but also was sacked the most times (55) and tallied the most fumbles (16).
Now heading into his third season and with the pieces around him beginning to be built up, this is a prove-it year for Justin Fields. The Bears can only go as far as he can take them, and this is the season he must step up and prove he is ready to be the face of the Franchise.
2023 Future Picks
Justin Fields and the Bears will be an exciting team to watch this season and how the draft class settles will play a major role in their outlook. However, for the moment the Vegas projections seem to be too high for the Bears.
While the franchise is taking steps in the right direction, Chicago is just 5-20 in games that Fields has started. The former 11 th overall pick has shown signs of promise but also made some head-scratching decisions with the ball that have proven costly. There is zero doubt about his talent level and potential, but the Bears will need Fields to improve on his decision-making for the team to find greater success.
Taking the under on the Bears win-total (7.5) as well as the -190 odds to miss the playoffs should be considered the more likely outcome for Chicago’s season. If the Bears can take some steps in the right direction and win a few more games this would still be considered a success, but this still leaves some breathing room for the under to hit.
Chicago is considered to have the fifth easiest schedule in 2023, but the strength of the NFC North still makes the playoff outlook grim. The Detroit Lions are considered the favorite to win the division after going 9-8 in 2022 and finishing the season on an 8-2 tear. The Minnesota Vikings are the reigning NFC North Champs after going 13-4 last year. While there is a pessimistic outlook regarding the Green Bay Packers, it should be noted that Aaron Rodgers still officially remains on the team which is a storyline to Monitor.
Expect the Bears to take some steps in the right direction this season, but they are still a ways away from growing into the contending conversation. Don’t expect Chicago to
grow into full contenders and expect their youth to show itself at times. Feel confident in
the Bears to take a step forward this season, but it not to be enough to reach the Vegas totals and for next year to be the season where they truly begin to flourish- assuming Justin Fields can continue on his developmental trajectory.
