Making NFL predictions is like gorging on holiday goodies. It’s easy and fun to do that very moment, but you pay for it later on, and sometimes the results make your stomach hurt.
Last summer, the usual suspects made their annual NFL picks, and nobody had the Bears coming close winning the NFC North. That includes Whizzer, RedEye’s own prognosticating pooch, who put on his rose-colored glasses and had the Bears finishing 8-8.
Here’s a look back at some of the big picks.
Sports Illustrated
The pick: 3-13, last in NFC North. No. 32 in preseason power rankings.
What they said: If they don’t get improved play out of the quarterback position, the Bears could be in for a repeat of 2004 …
Super Bowl pick: Carolina over Indianapolis
ESPN the Magazine
The pick: Last in NFC North
What they said: And the man in charge now that Rex Grossman is gone again? Why it’s (Kyle) Orton, another kid right out of college (Purdue). And hey, why not? It worked for the Steelers.
Super Bowl pick: Minnesota over Indianapolis
Athlon Sports
The pick: Last in NFC North
What they said: Ron Rivera’s defense will have to carry Ron Turner’s offense, at least in the early going. The defense has more talent, continuity and depth, while the offense is starting over with a new playbook, coordinator and line coach, a quarterback with six NFL starts, a rookie running back and a lot of question marks at wideout across from Muhsin Muhammad.
Super Bowl pick: Baltimore over Philadelphia
Pro Football Weekly
The pick: 5-11, last in NFC North.
No. 25 in preseason power rankings.
What they said: The Bears made notable offensive additions, but if QB Rex Grossman falters or injuries expose a lack of depth, it will be another long year for the Bears. Expect the defense to emerge as one of the best in the league.
Super Bowl pick: Philadelphia over Indianapolis
Sporting News
The pick: 9-7, third in NFC North
What they said: The best-case scenario is a healthy Grossman and a strong defense leading the Bears to 10 wins with the help of a friendly schedule. The worst-case scenario is another injury-ruined year without proper depth at QB, which could lead to a dismantling of the front office and the coaching staff.
Super Bowl pick: Philadelphia over Indianapolis
Street & Smith’s
The pick: Last in the NFC North.
What they said: If the Bears are to climb over Detroit and threaten Minnesota and Green Bay, they must keep Grossman healthy for more than three games.
Super Bowl pick: Philadelphia over Indianapolis
