2015 NFL Predictions: NFC North Preview

Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA;

Baltimore Ravens linebacker

(90) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears: 

Key Additions: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Eddie Royal, C Will Montgomery, DL Jarvis Jenkins, OLB Pernell McPhee, ILB Mason Foster, SS Antrel Rolle, WR Kevin White, DT Eddie Goldman

 The Bears really revamped a big part of their team especially on defense. Adding Rodgers will give them an even better option on third down than Matt Forte already is and  will also give Forte some rest throughout the year, which he could use after getting 368 touches last year.

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Where Do NFC North WRs Rank Among NFL’s Best?

Adding White and Royal is supposed to make up for the loss of Brandon Marshall and I think they will be somewhat succesful with that. I am not a big fan of White, but he is a good fit with Cutler as QB and Royal is a pretty good slot wide receiver. Montgomery figures to be the new starting center in Chicago and maybe he can spark a turnaround for the offensive line that has struggled in past years.

On defense, the roster has changed much more than on offense. While Jenkins and Goldman likely won’t start, they add a great amount of depth to the defensive line giving them the opportunity to rotate a lot.  McPhee is a big addition for the Bears as it gives Allen a good pass rushing partner and gives them a dangerous pass rush. Foster had some injury problems last year, but he is a talented linebacker who together with McPhee should really be able to help the linebacker corps. Rolle is coming off a very good year in New York and should add a lot of experience and talent to a secondary that is lacking both.

Key Losses: DT Stephan Paea, CB Charles Tillman, FS Chris Conte

Paea was a talented and productive player for the Bears but he was far too expensive and Jenkins and Goldman should be able to make up for the loss quite well. Tillman will be missed both on and off the field, but it was time to end the era. Tillman played under 30 % percent of the games in the last two seasons and his ability is a huge question mark as he is already 34 years old. Conte is coming off a poor season, like most of last years secondary, and will be quite replaceable for the Bears.

Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end

(82) catches a pass and is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jon Bostic (57) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Verdict: 

The Bears  clearly got better as a team. Their offensive production will still be up to Jay Cutler, but once  again he has good weapons around him. With Jeffrey, White, Royal, Wilson and Bennett as receivers and Forte and Rodgers in the backfield, there is no room for excuses. Forte is coming to an age where he might start slowing down, but the Bears are prepared as  Carey is young a running back simply waiting for a chance to break out. If the line can step up its play it comparison to past year, I am confident that this offense will have success, but that is a very large if.

The defense that was so terrible last year suddenly looks promising. With a slew of young and decent players on the defensive line, they should be able to have some success ,especially because of their great depth. The linebacker corps of McPhee, Foster, Bostic and Allen is a very good group of linebackers. Especially McPhee and Allen could give opposing QB’s nightmares.

The secondary was the biggest problem last year, but Fuller showed a lot of potential and should improve this year. Jennings is coming off a rough year and needs to bounce back. Rolle is a good safety and the Bears hope that Vereen will also improve in his  second year in the NFL.

Dec 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver

(17) catches a touchdown pass over New Orleans Saints defensive back

(20) during the second half at Soldier Field. New Orleans won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record:7-9

Worst Case Record: 3-13

Prediction: 5-11

Team’s Offensive MVP: WR Alshon Jeffery

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Jared Allen

Rookie Standout: WR Kevin White 

The poor play in Chicago will continue for another year. Their team got better and so did their coaching staff, but the problems that plagued them last year are still there and their schedule is quite difficult. Best case scenario is that Jay Cutler can begin to play better again and not turn over the football very often, and the secondary can play far better than last year. In this case I think they possibly go three and three in  division and win four more outside. Worst case is that they struggle in divsion and go 0-6 and then the only wins come against teams  like Washington, Oakland, Tampa Bay or San Francisco

Next: Is third a surprise?