Bears hope healthy Cutler leads them to playoffs: Win total examined for 2014 season
Going into last season, all of the talk about the Bears was whether former CFL coach Marc Trestman could handle the NFL. It turned out he could, which is why the team went 8-8 despite losing Jay Cutler to injury. Veteran replacement Josh McCown did a better than expected job, which is why he’s now in Tampa Bay.
Offensively last season, the Bears had a solid year ranking 5th in passing and 16th in rushing. As for the defense, the lack of impact players was obvious with the squad ranking 15th against the pass and dead last (32nd) against the run. That’s why the team dedicated its draft to the defense with first round cornerback Kyle Fuller, followed by second round defensive tackle Ego Ferguson and third round defensive tackle Will Sutton.
Looking to this season, the Bears face nine playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .496 winning percentage last year (the 15th toughest schedule). Furthermore, the Bears will play two sets of back-to-back road games.
Oddsmakers have the Bears o/u at 8 (-140 over) or 8.5 (-115 under). If you think Cutler can stay healthy and the defense will be better (it couldn’t be worse, right?), you may consider the latter and the over for a better payout.
John Benson is a die-hard football and basketball fan who also dabbles in the dark art of entertainment betting. With over two decades of experience in the sports writing and betting industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a pint of wisdom to his diverse endeavors on SportsBettingDime.com.
