NFL.com: Bears 2012 Season Preview, Predictions

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap100...ew-predictions

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Chicago Bears 2012 NFL Season Preview, Predictions

Bucky Brooks: Jay Cutler finally has a pair of big, physical playmakers (Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery) to target in the passing game, while Michael Bush joins Matt Forte to form a dynamic 1-2 combination in the backfield. With a defense that is still championship-caliber, the Bears will make a play at the division crown.
Prediction: 11-5, second in NFC North

Daniel Jeremiah: The Bears were playing great football before Jay Cutler got hurt last year. The new additions at receiver should have an immediate impact. There is some age on defense, but I don’t expect to see much drop off in play.
Prediction: 9-7, tied for second in NFC North

Adam Schein: I'm buying this team. Jay Cutler is healthy. Pass happy Mike Martz is nowhere near the coaching booth. Brandon Marshall gives the offense sizzle.
Prediction: 10-6, second in NFC North

Steve Wyche: Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall -- rookie WR Alshon Jeffery could be a surprise -- will nab the attention, but running back Matt Forte will get it done again to help the Bears get to the playoffs.
Prediction: 10-6, second in NFC North

Key player? #15 Brandon Marshall

For years, Bears fans have waited for a difference-maker at the receiver position, and new general manager Phil Emery answered the call by trading for Marshall. Having connected hundreds of times while both were in Denver, Marshall and quarterback Jay Cutler will add a much-needed dimension to an offense already including weapons Matt Forte and Devin Hester.

3 Pivotal Games

Week 2 at Packers
Head coach Lovie Smith said beating the Packers was top priority when he took the job in January 2004. If he and his team want to re-claim the NFC North title that their rival took away last season, shutting down the Packers’ juggernaut offense in Lambeau is a great place to start.

Week 10 vs. Texans
Hosting the Texans is a nice mid-season test for Chicago; snuffing out Houston’s potent offense would give the Bears a head of steam towards a post-season run.

Week 17 at Lions
Whether it’s for a division title or wild-card berth, this season-ender between two NFC North foes in Ford Field is likely to have big playoff implications.

This was dated today, and there are no comments about the o-line or Brian's knee? Seems a little incomplete to me, but I'll agree with the predictions. I thinking this team will be 11-5 or 10-6, regardless of known existing injuries.

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3 Pivotal Games

Week 2 at Packers
Head coach Lovie Smith said beating the Packers was top priority when he took the job in January 2004. If he and his team want to re-claim the NFC North title that their rival took away last season, shutting down the Packers’ juggernaut offense in Lambeau is a great place to start.

After this game we will know how good or bad this 2012 team is. I'm not saying we have to win it. But if we are totally outclassed like we were Friday against the Giants starters (looking like bumbling idiots), then it's going to be a long ugly season.

Consensus is a 10-6 season which sounds about right unless we get some real breaks in a few games and even then I'd cap it at 12-4. No better. Even with an aging and somewhat hurting defense we added enough firepower to offset that with more scoring.