There was plenty of optimism around the Chicago Bears going in 2019. Especially when it came to expectations for a Super Bowl push. The average was around 17-to-1 odds. Not bad considering they were in a loaded NFC. Then the season happened. Mitch Trubisky regressed, the offense stunk, and a championship-caliber defense got a year older. So has that affected what Las Vegas thinks about their chances in 2020?
Of course it did. Following their foray into free agency and with no 1st round pick for the draft, it appears the oddsmakers are reasonably confident about where the Bears' chances sit. Caesars Sportsbook reported through ESPN that they have a 25-to-1 shot at winning the Super Bowl this season. Their over/under win total is set at 8.5 and they have the third-worst odds of winning the division behind Green Bay and Minnesota.
Chicago Bears (25-1)
Odds to win NFC: 11-1
Division: +225
Over/under: 8.5
Odds to make playoffs: Yes +115, No -135
Chicago Bears needs a lot of things to go right
There are a few things going in the Bears' favor. They still have a great defense. One that just upgraded its pass rush in a big way with Robert Quinn opposite Khalil Mack. If they can get reliable coverage at cornerback despite the loss of Prince Amukamara, things will go well for them again this coming season. They also added more credibility at quarterback. Nick Foles has never started a full season in his career. That said, he's been to a Pro Bowl and won a Super Bowl in 2017 with Philadelphia.
So they do have reasons for optimism. At the same time, they'll also need a good degree of luck. They'll need key guys like Akiem Hicks, Anthony Miller, and Eddie Jackson to stay healthy. They'll need Jimmy Graham to find a fountain of youth and deliver some of his vintage performances at tight end despite turning 34-years old. Last but not least, they need a couple of contributors to come out of this upcoming draft class.
It's a lot to ask, but not impossible.
