The last time the
Chicago Bears NFC North record was above .500 coincides with the last time they made the playoffs. That was in 2010 when they secured a 5-1 mark against the division. Since then they've managed to do no better than 3-3 and have been especially bad the past two seasons. They were a combined 2-10 during that span. If people were looking for the main reason this team can't get over the hump? There it is.
No sport prioritizes winning the division more than the NFL. It's a guaranteed entry into the playoffs and also guarantees at least one home game. Since there are no seven-game series in this league, it takes on even greater importance. That's why people take divisional toughness into greater account in football that anywhere.
What the experts wanted to know this year is which division offers the greatest challenge in 2018? Where does the NFC North stack up with the other seven? Greg Rosenthall of NFL.com ranked them and one thing became clear.
The Bears are in for quite the slugfest.
Chicago Bears NFC North dreams will be a gauntlet of fire
"2) NFC North: Vikings, Lions, Packers, Bears
This is no longer the Aaron Rodgers Invitational. The Vikings kept all the best parts of their NFC title game squad while upgrading at quarterback, defensive tackle and the No. 3 receiver spot. Matthew Stafford has the perfect combination of scheme continuity, weapons and a bolstered offensive line to enjoy a career season. Rodgers is due for another MVP campaign that reminds everyone he might be the most talented ever at his position, while the Bears finally look interesting again."
Rosenthall sees the NFC South as the toughest division in the league. Not hard to see what given three of its four teams have won or reached a Super Bowl at least once since 2009. The North though isn't far behind, driven forward by a newfound wealth of quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Matthew Stafford are all former Pro Bowlers. Mitch Trubisky is a former #2 overall pick.
The Bears are viewed as the focal point for the division's ascent. Their improvements this offseason have impressed. It's believed that if things go as planned they can become one of those dreaded teams that nobody wants to play late in the season. They're a young and hungry team anxious to finally erase the stigma of being a perennial loser.
Overcoming the second-toughest division in football to do it? That would be the icing on the cake.
