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NFL Predictions 2018: Who will finish in the basement, NFC Edition

By Mark Morales-Smith

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys takes a knee before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys takes a knee before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 31: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears throws the ball away while being pursued by defenders Linval Joseph #98 and Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. the play resulted in a two point safety for the Vikings. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 31: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears throws the ball away while being pursued by defenders Linval Joseph #98 and Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. the play resulted in a two point safety for the Vikings. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

NFC North

Basement Dwellers: Chicago Bears

Unless the Lions go all Lions on us or Aaron Rodgers’ collarbone explodes again, this is pretty much a no-brainer. Many expect the Bears offense to be much better this season, but I’m not one of those people and I’m not sure how good the defense will be either. Even if they are improved, and they very well should be, it won’t be enough to make any moves in another brutal NFC division.

There are just a ton of unknowns on this team. The Bears defense was decent last season, however, teams didn’t need to score a lot against them either. Roquan Smith could be a huge boost at inside linebacker, but he’s still a rookie who missed almost all of training camp.

The offense has a completely unproven quarterback in Mitch Trubisky and pass-catchers fans are optimistic about. While fans are optimistic, these guys aren’t locks. Allen Robinson has been up and down, and is coming off a torn ACL. Trey Burton also has never been a top guy. I really like Trubisky and Robinson, but we need to see what this offense looks like.

The Bears should be better in 2018, but are going to get beat up on by the other teams in this division. Beyond that they will also have to face a tough NFC West and the Patriots out in the AFC East. This team may be on the rise, nevertheless, that rise won’t come this season.

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