After a 2009 season in which the Bears went 7-9 with a -48 point differential, the 2010 Regular season win total has been set at 8. It seems like Vegas has set this number properly because they are getting roughly the same amount on both sides. Bodog has the over at -120 while Bookmaker has the under at -120. A bookmaker’s dream because he’ll collect his vig without risk but a tough call for a bettor. The Bookbeater would play the under if he had to but would likely pass.
The 2009 version of the Bears was 23rd in offense and 17th in defense. They managed to win 7 games despite a disastrous season out of QB Jay Cutler who threw a whopping 26 INTs. He did throw 27 TDs but his QB rating of 76.8 was disappointing. The Bears had numerous injuries led by the early season exit of Pro Bowl LB Brian Urlacher. Further, many key players such as DT Tommie Harris, RB Matt Forte and WR/KR Devin Hester had off years. It’s likely that all of these key players will have better seasons in 2010.
The Bears had a busy off-season with the signings of sack master DE Julius Peppers, solid 3rd down RB Chester Taylor and OC Mike Martz. Adding Peppers to a defense that will already be getting more from Urlacher and Harris gives this group upside potential. On offense, the addition of Mike Martz should help a unit that had trouble moving the ball in 2009. Martz improved the 49ers offense and their NFL odds when he took over there but he never got them to an elite level. Of course, he didn’t have QB Kurt Warner, RB Marshall Faulk, WR Isaac Bruce (Bruce did play in SF but he was past his prime) and WR Tory Holt in SF. With versatile RBs, a playmaking TE and WRs that have another year of experience, this offense should score more.
The Bears traded most of their 2010 draft picks for Cutler but they did get S Major Wright out of Florida and DE Corey Wootton out of Northwestern. Wright has a chance to start and Wootton will add depth to the defensive line. With no impact help from the draft the majority of any defensive improvement will come from bounce back years and the addition of Peppers. His sacks, pressures and constant drawing of double teams should open alleys for other defenders to attack. The Bears defense should be much better in 2010.
The Bears actually have some decent upside potential and are definitely better on paper than in 2009 but the problem is the schedule. In a division with the talented Packers, the stacked Vikings and a Lions team that is on the ups, it’s hard to see the Bears doing better than 2-4 there. The schedule breaks down like this: DET W, @DAL L, GB L, @NYG L, @CAR L, SEA W, WAS W, @BUF W, MIN L, @ MIA L, PHI W, @DET W, NE L, @MIN L, NYJ W, @GB L.
2010 projected nfl pick record: 7-9. $ out of $$$$ rating.
