Finally, I think Green Bay and Minnesota will get the better of them in divisional games. What it amounts to is Kitna predicting 10 wins, while reality delivers another six or seven-win season, and another year of missing the playoffs.
Detroit Lions’ Record: 6-10—NFC North third place; No Playoffs
4) Chicago Bears
'07 Record: 7-9
Points Scored: 334 (18th)
Points Allowed: 348 (16th)
Playoff Result: N/A
2008 Strength of Schedule: 136-120 (.531) (T-11th in NFL)
Strengths
The Bears have always had offensive issues. What they traditionally relied on was a very strong defense. In 2005, they finished first in points allowed and second in yards allowed.
In their 2006 Super-Bowl season, they finished third and fifth in those areas. They have been one of the best teams at forcing turnovers. That has allowed the less-than-stellar offense to work with a short field, and control the clock with the run.
That never panned out last season. The Bears' offense was still not explosive, but the defense failed them. They finished 16th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed. Brian Urlacher was hurt and did not play up to his standards, and Mike Brown was lost for the season. The Bears had a very injured unit.
The defensive line is still strong. Tommie Harris is a fantastic defensive tackle. Alex Brown, Mark Anderson, and Adewale Ogunleye all provide a strong pass rush. They are still looking for a replacement for Tank Johnson to play opposite Harris at the defensive tackle.
The linebackers are still great too. Urlacher is one of the best in the business, but did battle injuries last season. He is also unhappy with his contract. At least Lance Briggs is happy, as he did sign the long-term deal he had been looking for the last couple of seasons. He is a three-time Pro Bowler.
In the secondary, Brown, Tillman, Vasher, R. Manning, D. Manning, and McBride give the Bears a number of people for coverage and making big plays. They just need everyone to stay healthy. If they can do that, they will be able to force turnovers, which is a must for a Cover-Two team.
That will help the offense produce enough in short-field situations, giving the Bears' defense leads and rest. If that happens, there is still enough defensive talent to carry this team to the playoffs.
Last, but certainly not least, are the special teams. Devin Hester is the Bears' best weapon at this point. After just two seasons, he is in the discussion for best return man in the history of the NFL. He makes a lot of big plays in the return game and as a wide receiver.
The Bears will look to involve him even more as a receiver in 2008. Brendon Ayanbadejo made the Pro Bowl as the special team’s specialist. Finally, Robbie Gould is a solid kicker. The Bears probably have the best special teams in the NFL.
Weaknesses
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