After finishing with the worst record in the NFL last season, the Chicago Bears made a ton of improvements this offseason on both sides of the ball to surround QB Justin Fields with more talent.
Although they are a Super Bowl longshot, the NFC North is up for grabs, and so is a playoff spot in a weak conference. How will the Bears do this season? We break it down in this betting preview with their futures odds, a best bet, and more.
Take advantage of one of these sportsbook offers below if you’re getting into the market of Bears futures!
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Chicago Bears Futures Odds
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.
Super Bowl Odds: +5000
Want to make a bet on this year’s Super Bowl winner? Click on the widget below!
[tallysight url=”https://tallysight.com/new/widget/tile/nfl/org:pro-football-network/event:2023-24-futures/topic:super-bowl-winner/variant:1/sportsbook:draftkings?id=4606eedb-d2c6-471d-9ebe-73862f65a723″]NFC Odds: +3000
NFC North Odds: +400
Win Total: 7.5 (Over -130/Under +110)
To Make/Miss the Playoffs: +155/-180
Chicago Bears Offense Breakdown
The Bears made a few big additions to fix two glaring weaknesses on offense from a year ago: acquiring WR D.J. Moore from the Panthers, signing G Nate Davis from the Titans, and drafting OT Darnell Wright in the first round of the NFL Draft.
These three acquisitions should make life much easier for Fields this season, giving him a legitimate No. 1 receiver and improving an offensive line that surrendered 58 sacks last year.
One loss for the offense was RB David Montgomery signing with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Montgomery was a steady option for them at running back the last four seasons, but they’re well-equipped to replace him.
Khalil Herbert was a very efficient runner last season, rushing for 731 yards and averaging 5.7 yards per carry. D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson provide good depth behind him as well.
The biggest question mark for this unit will be how much Fields improves as a passer. We all know about his running ability, as he generated 1,143 yards last season, but can he show similar improvement as a thrower in Year 3 like Jalen Hurts did a year ago? If so, this offense has a lot of upside.
Chicago Bears Defense Breakdown
Historically, we’re used to the Bears having a very strong defense, but this was certainly not the case last season, as they ranked last in points allowed per game.
In free agency, with plenty of salary cap money to spend, the Bears pretty much revamped their defense. They signed six players who are expected to start on defense, most notably LB Tremaine Edmunds, LB T.J. Edwards, and DE DeMarcus Walker.
They also devoted their Day 2 picks of the NFL Draft entirely to defense, drafting DT Gervon Dexter Sr., CB Tyrique Stevenson, and DT Zacch Pickens.
Despite all of these additions defensively, the Bears still have a lot of question marks, particularly with their pass rush. Have they made enough improvements after recording just 20 sacks a year ago, dead last in the NFL?
One Betting Trend To Know
The Bears are a league-worst 11-22-1 against the spread the last two seasons, according to Inside Edge.
Best Bet for the Bears in 2023
Wingo: Only Lamar Jackson in 2019 has rushed for more yards in a single season than Fields did in 2022. Let’s face it; Fields had to run because it was their best chance to move the ball, and he was far and away the only option at times for a Bears offense that essentially revolved around his legs more than his arm.
This entire offseason, head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles have gone to great lengths to try and change that, trading for Moore, drafting Wright, and making a major investment in locking up TE Cole Kmet. They’re giving Fields more options to work with to make better use of his arm.
Fields’ over/under of 800.5 rushing yards is far lower than his total from last season. I think this year, the Bears would like Fields’ rushing numbers to be similar to that of Hurts, who was a very effective runner despite going for under 800 yards last year.
Running quarterbacks are like dogs that chase cars and long putts for pars … they don’t last. Look for Fields’ rushing total to drop dramatically in 2023. Justin Fields under 800.5 rushing yards.
Fields is a very popular bet to win NFL MVP this season. Like him to win the award? Click on the widget below to place your wager with the best available odds!
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