Chicago Bears Predictions & 2008 NFL Betting Picks Preview

July 2, 2008

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By Brad Marchetti

After going to the Super Bowl in the 2006 season the Chicago Bears were ravaged by injuries and stumbled badly in the 2007 season by finishing 7-9 SU and 7-9 ATS. Head Coach Lovie Smith’s pride was bruised and he will be holding open competitions at quarterback, running back and receiver. With his job possibly at the crossroads you can expect Lovie Smith to run a hard camp that is determined to get the teams edge back that got them to the Super Bowl just two years ago. The season opener will feature a rematch of their Super Bowl game when they travel to the RCA Dome to face the Indianapolis Colts. The Chicago Bears 2008 NFL betting odds are at 35-1 to win the 2009 Superbowl.

2008 Chicago Bears NFL Betting Preview Predicted Order Of Finish in NFC North: 2nd

Rookie running back Matt Forte will team with steady backup Adrian Peterson on the ground. The Bears had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year  and have released former starter Cedric Benson. With Benson’s departure the running game should improve with second-round pick Matt Forte. Forte is a powerful and elusive workhorse type of back that can catch the ball. Benson played soft and Forte will bring a more hard nosed style of running to Soldier Field.

The biggest problem facing the Chicago offense will be finding a capable passer in either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton. Grossman is a hot and cold passer that can be brilliant at times or downright terrible. Orton proved that he can win when he went 10-5 as a rookie in 2005 when Grossman went down but he has the skills of a backup. Grossman physically could be one of the best in the league with his terrific deep passing ability but Orton is the better decision maker. The Chicago Bears 2008 NFL betting TOTAL proposition is 8 WINS with the OVER at -140.

The wideouts have changed losing their biggest playmaker in Bernard Berrian but the group is full of very talented underachievers. Mark Bradley has size, speed and big-play ability and the Bears expect him to return to form after missing most of the last two season with knee problems. Also released, was big, but slow Muhsin Muhammad who has been replaced by possession receiver Marty Booker. Also added was the speedy but underachieving Brandon Lloyd from the 49ers. The real X-factor in the crew who could make a splash is legendary return man Devin Hester. Hester has 4.2 speed and dynamic moves but the jury is still out on his hands and route-running. The biggest weapon in the recieving core is tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen has Pro-bowl ability and he will team with a versatile athlete in backup Desmond Clark.

The offensive line has some mileage and will be making at least two changes. The Bears did inject some youth into the line with first round pick Chris Williams who will be counted on heavily. At 6′6″ 320 Lbs. Williams has excellent tools and will make an impact immediately. Center Olin Kreutz is a six-time Pro-Bowler in the middle with a nasty attitude and if Williams develops the line has the potential to improve over last year’s suspect unit. The Chicago Bears 2008 NFL betting line to win the NFC North are at 3-1 NFL betting odds.

Lovie Smith wants to win with his strong defense, special teams and field position. Last season the Bears defense dropped off the charts ranking in the bottom-5 of the NFL. The heart of the Chicago defense linebacker Brian Urlacher has been plagued with back and neck problems, but Urlacher still remains one of the games finest. When the defense is healthy it could still be one of the best. Defensive Tackle Tommie Harris is an elite talent in the middle that leads a deep and skilled front four. Left end Adewale Ogunleye is consistent and on the opposite side Alex Brown could emerge as a disruptive force this season.

Outside linebacker Lance Briggs is a durable Pro-Bowler that can cover, hit and read coverages at a top level. Briggs teams with Brian Urlacher and the steady Hunter Hillenmeyer to form an experienced playmaking group. Uralcher is a world-class athlete that can dominate the game when he is healthy but he still plays well even injured. Backup Jamar Wiliams is a versatile and smart backup that could be a starter on other teams.

The Bears felt the impact of losing super-athletic cornerback Nathan Vasher for 12 games and will welcome his return. Vasher will team with Charles Tillman to form one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFC. Ricky Manning Jr. is a top-flight nickelback and 5th round pick Zackary Bowman from Nebraska has first-round ability. Mike Brown is a passionate player at free-safety and 4th round pick SS Craig Steltz from LSU is a heavy hitter that could be an upgrade over the departed Adam Archuleta.

The special teams are the best in the NFL with return man Devin Hester leading a well-rounded unit. Hester can score at anytime, kicker Robbie Gould is automatic inside 50-yards and punter Brad Maynard is an excellent directional punter. The coverage units are solid with a monster in 6′6″ 275 Lb offensive lineman Israel Idonije creating havoc.

Chicago is limited on offense but their defense is still a heavy pill for any offense to take. The QB position will prevent the Bears from being a legit Super Bowl contender but the offensive additions should get them to the playoffs in the NFC North. The play-calling of first year Bears defensive coordinator Bob Babich was poor last year though and if his philosophy on defense doesn’t pan out the Bears might not do any better than 8-8. While it was true the defense was ravaged by injuries Babich was trying to be a finesse team with a team full of physical players. If Lovie Smith misses the playoffs his days in Chicago could be over.

2007 Chicago Bears NFL Betting Record ATS: 7-9

2008 Chicago Bears NFL Betting Preview Power Ratings

1-10 Scale

Coaching: 6
Quarterback: 6
Running Back: 6
Offensive Line: 6
Receivers: 7
Defensive Line: 8
Linebackers: 9
Defensive Backs: 8
Special Teams: 10

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Written by admin · Filed Under NFL 

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