Joe's 2011 Chicago Bears Season Preview: Record Prediction

Now that I’ve broken down the team piece by piece (offense, defense and special teams), it’s time for the predictions. This year I decided to analyze the schedule and put my predictions out there. Obviously it means little having barely seen the team, but it’s still fun to talk about. Here’s the schedule and a quick thought on each game:

Starting with a brutal three week stretch, the Bears may drop the home opener.

I have the sneaky information of the Saints perhaps missing two receivers, so I’ll give the Bears this one.

Hate to be that guy, but I think we’ll drop this one.

We should beat a rookie quarterback.

Agh. These Lion games are getting harder to call. If Stafford’s out there, I say loss.

The Vikings stink.

The Bucs bore me.

We’re gonna kick this BYE’s ass.

At Philly? Ugh. Loss.

Getting them back for the earlier loss.

A California team visiting in Novembrrrr? Win.

Oakland sucks.

After a three-game win streak, this might be a loss.

Likely win against Orton.

Oh win.

Loss. (Yep, I say we get swept.)

In Minnesota, perhaps a tossup. Win?

2010 Record: 11-5
2011 Prediction: 9-7

Let’s be clear about this: Just because I can find 11 wins on the schedule, it doesn’t mean the Bears will win 11 games. 11 wins is the best case scenario. Last year they shot way over their heads despite their laundry list of issues. In 2011 they won’t get those breaks and will be targeted by teams that want to make a name for themselves by knocking off a division champion and a team that played in the NFC title game. So 9-7 is my official prediction. They'll probably just miss the playoffs. It's not a horrible record, but coming off an 11-5 season and an NFC title trip, it'll feel like a major letdown.

Oh what the hell am I doing? Here comes 16-0 baby! Bear down and Happy Jay Cutler Day!