Following an impressive 12-4 season in 2018, many anticipated that the Bears were a team built to last. Only, that wasn’t the case, as evidenced by their 8-8 record in 2019.
While it’s way too early to start making predictions about win totals for NFL teams in 2020, here’s how the Bears’ odds look as of February.
NFC North 2020 win totals lines via @betonline_ag:
Bears: 8
Lions: 6.5
Packers: 9.5
Vikings: 9.5Top NFC numbers: SF (10.5), New Orleans (10), Philadelphia (10)
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) February 5, 2020
The defending NFC North champion Packers are favored to top the division once more in 2020, tied with the Vikings, while the Bears are projected to finish third, followed closely by the Lions.
Chicago’s regression, particularly on offense, is cause for concern for a team some believed was built to make a playoff run. While the Bears certainly have a talented roster, there are several issues impeding their progress that need to be addressed this offseason.
It’s safe to say any confidence in the Bears’ ability to rebound from that disappointing season rests with the decisions they make on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
First and foremost, the Bears need to find stability at quarterback — whether that’s Mitchell Trubisky miraculously becoming the quarterback Ryan Pace thought he drafted or bringing in a veteran quarterback to challenge him.
Then there’s the offensive line, tight ends and the run game, all of which contributed to the offense’s struggles last season.
If the Bears don’t address those issues, they’re doomed for another .500 record, if they’re lucky.
What do you think? Will the Bears finish above .500 in 2020?
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