Chicago Bears: SI Predicts Team to Win 10 Games in 2017

The Chicago Bears went 3-13 in 2016, but there is some optimism for the 2017 season.

Make no mistake about it, the Chicago Bears’ 2016 season was a disaster. They struggled with injuries all season long and did not have the necessary depth to stay competitive. While they have some talent on the top-end, the Bears simply did not have a well-rounded team in 2016. Their 3-13 record was a disappointment, but not necessarily a surprise.

While the Bears are not exactly set up for immediate success, with a strong off season, they could have a relatively quick turnaround. First and foremost, the Bears need to figure out their quarterback situation. Jay Cutler will be gone and the Bears will be in the market for a new starter. If they can land someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or Tyrod Taylor, they could be in for some quick success.

Regardless what the Chicago Bears do at quarterback, they have a lot of needs throughout their roster. Luckily, they will have a ton of opportunity to add impact talent to the mix this off season. The Bears are loaded with cap space to spend in free agency. Expect them to be in on at least a couple of impact players on the defensive side of the ball.

Also, after going 3-13 last season, the Bears have a ton of 2017 NFL draft capital. Starting with the third overall pick, the Chicago Bears have a ton of opportunity to significantly improve their roster in the 2017 NFL Draft.

It may not be the most likely, but there is a legitimate path to a quick turnaround in Chicago. There is at least one person who expected this optimistic path to relevancy to happen.

In a mix of predictions made for the 2017 NFL season, Melissa Jacobs of Sports Illustrated sees immediate improvement for the Chicago Bears. In fact, Jacobs predicts 10 (or maybe just nine) wins for the Bears in 2017. That would be a huge unexpected jump for a team seemingly still trying to rebuild. Here is what Jacobs had to say about the prediction:

"Of all the teams decimated by injuries in 2016, the Bears may have been the most ravaged. A heavy dose of talent was sidelined. From Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long to running back Jeremy Langford to tight end Zach Miller to prized free agent pickup ILB Danny Trevathan, key players fell throughout the season and forced the Bears to try and be resourceful when they had no more resources. Add in Alshon Jeffery’s four-game suspension for a PED violation, and the Bears never stood a chance.The talent is there throughout Chicago’s roster, and assuming this group can stay healthy, crystallizing this prediction will hinge on the new starting quarterback. (Jay Cutler being released or traded is a forgone conclusion.) There will be plenty of options for the Bears, both in free agency and the draft. Jumping from 3–13 to 10–6 or thereabouts isn’t so improbable in today’s NFL. Ask the Cowboys."

Injuries were undoubtedly a huge part of the Chicago Bears’ struggles in 2016. If they can stay healthy next season, there is reason to expect them to be competitive in the NFC North. They have a strong offensive line, great defensive front seven and have a chance to add more impact players this off season.

To me, their 2017 success all comes down to quarterback. Jacobs mentions that in her piece, but I think she is under-selling how ugly the off season options are. If the Bears can swing a trade for Garoppolo, they could be in a strong position to succeed immediately. However, there is going to be a lot of competition for the Patriots’ back-up quarterback and the price will be high.