Chicago Bears predicted to have worst record in 2017 NFL season
The Chicago Bears do not fare well in recent 2017 NFL season record predictions.
I don’t think any of us expect the Chicago Bears to be majorly competitive in 2017. None of us really know what to expect out of Mike Glennon and/or Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, their top offensive weapon Alshon Jeffery left in free agency and the team did not do much to address their obvious needs in the secondary and at offensive tackle. Simply put, it could be a long 2017 season for the Bears.
That being said, there is a glimmer of hope based on simply better fortune. I do not believe they did enough this offseason to drastically improve on their 3-13 2016 record. That being said, with just a bit more injury luck, they at least have a chance to get back to respectability. But do not expect 2017 NFL record predictions to be kind.
On Wednesday, Jonathan Jones of Sports Illustrated put together his win-loss predictions for each NFL team. As you should probably expect, it was not kind to the Chicago Bears, as Jones predicts them to go 2-14 during the 2017 season.
"“Neither Mike Glennon nor Mitchell Trubisky nor an Alshon Jeffrey–less receiving corps will strike fear in anyone, and opponents won’t be afraid of throwing against the Bears when they have the ball,” Jones wrote. “Chicago has finished in last place in the NFC North three years running, and it will probably be four in John Fox’s third year as coach. They have the misfortune of opening against Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Green Bay.”"
Jones not only predicts the Bears to finish last in the NFC North, their 2-14 record would tie them with the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers for the worst record in the NFL. If these predictions hold true, the Bears will have a shot to hold the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, that selection would probably be made with head coach John Fox and possibly general manager Ryan Pace either unemployed or with another organization.
Jones predicts the Green Bay Packers to roll to an easy NFC North championship with a 13-3 record. The Detroit Lions come in next at 9-7, followed closely by the 8-8 Minnesota Vikings.
Next: Bears 2017 season: What to watch for
There is typically a lot of parity in the NFL so these kinds of predictions should be taken with a grain of salt. It is difficult to predict a team to make a huge turnaround but it happens almost every year.
With a bit of injury luck and surprisingly strong play at quarterback, the Bears could be that team to turn it around in 2017. I would not bet on it, but there is a slim chance at relevance in 2017.