Rushing Offense - Kevin Smith should have a more than respectable rookie season. However, the running game was almost completely ignored under Mike Martz, and there will be a steep learning curve to build it back up.

Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Kevin Smith, RB - Get him while he lasts in this league. Smith was used so much in college that he may hit a wall earlier in his career than others. For now though, the team will be leaning on him as soon as it can. The projections put Smith at 1,121 total yards and nine touchdowns. Drew Stanton, Michael Gaines and Brian Calhoun warrant consideration here as well.

Closest Game: @ Atlanta (Week 1) - I would love to hear how Kitna or Williams project the rest of the year if they lose this game to the Falcons. It's a coin flip now. If they fall, the season may already be over.

Fantasy Notables: Jon Kitna (26) 2,543 passing yards, 16 TDs, 12 INTs; Kevin Smith (31) 1,121 total yards, 9 TDs; Tatum Bell (48) 722 total yards, 5 TDs; Calvin Johnson (14) 73 receptions, 1,154 yards, 7 TDs; Roy Williams (24) 79 receptions, 995 yards, 6 TDs; Michael Gaines (36) 29 receptions, 284 yards, 2 TDs; Jason Hanson (12) 34/34 XPs, 28/32 FGs

Projected 2008 Results:

Week	Opponent	Win%	Avg Score
1	@Atlanta Falcons	51	25-25
2	Green Bay Packers	30	21-27
3	@San Francisco 49ers	30	20-31
5	Chicago Bears	53	27-19
6	@Minnesota Vikings	38	19-28
7	@Houston Texans	33	19-28
8	Washington Redskins	25	21-28
9	@Chicago Bears	49	20-26
10	Jacksonville Jaguars	21	21-30
11	@Carolina Panthers	27	17-29
12	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	36	21-24
13	Tennessee Titans	42	21-24
14	Minnesota Vikings	41	19-22
15	@Indianapolis Colts	17	18-34
16	New Orleans Saints	46	25-26
17	@Green Bay Packers	24	17-30

 

Chicago Bears (6-10)

While no one really has any idea what this team is trying to do on offense, the defense is not getting any younger. In 2008, most teams at the bottom of NFL divisions seem to have some kind of plan or reason for hope. Unless Matt Forte becomes the next Walter Payton, Chicago seems to be a team that may fall even further after 2008. The Bears average 19.9 points per game (#30) and allow 25.7 points (#23) against a schedule featuring six games against 2007 playoff teams.

Absolute Record:

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