The Bears lead the way in the NFC North but come into the second half with an 0-1 record in the division. They’ve played the fewest division games so far, so they have the most to lose or the most to gain in the standings as divisional games count for more than just the one game in their record. The good news for the Bears is they play the weakest schedule on the way out, thanks in large part to their last-place NFC North finish in 2017.
If the Bears are going to maintain their lead in the NFC North, they’re going to have to overcome some serious history. They’ve struggled in the NFC North in recent years. Really struggled. They’ve dropped nine of the last ten to the Lions, six of the last seven to the Vikings and 15 of the last 17 to the Packers.
If you want to start predicting, I’ve got the Bears splitting with the Lions and Vikings, beating the Giants and Niners. To get at least a .500 record in the division, they’ll need to beat the Packers. If they can live up to this, they’ll go 3-3 in the division and get to ten wins. That’s a key number when you start thinking about playoff possibilities. Even if the Bears fall to the Rams, which I’m certainly not conceding but seems like a loss when the LA Rams roll into Soldier Field in mid-December, they still get to ten wins.
In looking at the remaining 8 game schedule, if we sweep Detroit which I expect and split with Minnesota and then beat GB that is a 4-1 record which accounts for a record of 9-4. SF & NYG should be easy victories which probably/possibly makes it 11-4. If you factor in the Rams as the other probable loss then you reach the goal of 11-5. Certainly possible. Let's GO BEARS!!!
In looking at the remaining 8 game schedule, if we sweep Detroit which I expect and split with Minnesota and then beat GB that is a 4-1 record which accounts for a record of 9-4. SF & NYG should be easy victories which probably/possibly makes it 11-4. If you factor in the Rams as the other probable loss then you reach the goal of 11-5. Certainly possible. Let's GO BEARS!!!
I'm gonna be optimistic and say we beat Detroit, Minny, and GB at home. Lose to Minny on road in week 17 and probably to Rams at home (though a W is possible). Gotta beat NYG and SF both of whom are completely awful.
11-5 is doable and 10-6 is very doable.
Both Minny and GB have a pretty tough schedule to go (esp Minn) so I'm thinking 10-6 may be enough to win the division. 11-5 almost certainly will.
We could still be 10-6 and win the north, Minnesota dependent. The Lions are becoming the Lolions again. Green Bay has some large internal dysfunction. Minnesota, however, seems to have realized that they have a defense again. 5 division games left, 2 vs Vikings and a short turnaround on Thanksgiving. Going to be interesting second half.
We could still be 10-6 and win the north, Minnesota dependent. The Lions are becoming the Lolions again. Green Bay has some large internal dysfunction. Minnesota, however, seems to have realized that they have a defense again. 5 division games left, 2 vs Vikings and a short turnaround on Thanksgiving. Going to be interesting second half.
I think the Vikings are going to win the division, however, if the Bears are 10 - 6 they are in the WC..
Post by britishbearfan on Nov 10, 2018 11:10:04 GMT -6
I don't understand the Lion's this year. On paper both of their lines are good. They have a good QB and good outside receivers. They have a couple of decent running backs. Their outside LBs are decent also. I would say their only weaknesses are slot receiver, TE, ILB and their secondary isn't great after Slay and Quinn (who is also getting a bit old).
I was expecting them to be good this year and wasn't surprised by their wins against New England and Green Bay. However, I just don't get how they have been so bad in other games. Something weird going on with this team. I hope the version of the team that gives up 10 sacks and can't run the ball turns up this week. Not the version that crushes good teams!
I don't understand the Lion's this year. On paper both of their lines are good. They have a good QB and good outside receivers. They have a couple of decent running backs. Their outside LBs are decent also. I would say their only weaknesses are slot receiver, TE, ILB and their secondary isn't great after Slay and Quinn (who is also getting a bit old).
I was expecting them to be good this year and wasn't surprised by their wins against New England and Green Bay. However, I just don't get how they have been so bad in other games. Something weird going on with this team. I hope the version of the team that gives up 10 sacks and can't run the ball turns up this week. Not the version that crushes good teams!
My suspicion is Patricia is not a good head coach. The Detroit press that I've read, doesn't seem to have anything good to say about the guy. May be another Belichick coach that can't succeed outside of his system.
I don't understand the Lion's this year. On paper both of their lines are good. They have a good QB and good outside receivers. They have a couple of decent running backs. Their outside LBs are decent also. I would say their only weaknesses are slot receiver, TE, ILB and their secondary isn't great after Slay and Quinn (who is also getting a bit old).
I was expecting them to be good this year and wasn't surprised by their wins against New England and Green Bay. However, I just don't get how they have been so bad in other games. Something weird going on with this team. I hope the version of the team that gives up 10 sacks and can't run the ball turns up this week. Not the version that crushes good teams!
My suspicion is Patricia is not a good head coach. The Detroit press that I've read, doesn't seem to have anything good to say about the guy. May be another Belichick coach that can't succeed outside of his system.
I would really give a new coach more than 8 games before passing judgement on his performance. I don't really follow the Lions so I have no idea as to what issues he may have had. But Detroit is not what I would consider the paradigm of NFL franchise management so he may have a ton of crap to wade through.
In contrast Nagy came into a near perfect situation for a new coach. A young aggressive GM who had most/all of his growing pains (or learning curve) behind him and a roster that needed just a few additions to complete.
Not trying to defend Patricia because as I said I don't follow Detroit that closely. Just that a lot of analysis of coaches, players, etc these days seems based on a need for instant gratification.