The Bears might have a hard time matching their 12 victories from last season, but expectations remain high for the defending NFC North champions.
According to one series of odds released by sportsbook CG Technology (via ESPN), the Bears are projected to win 9.5 games in 2019, tied for the sixth-best total in the NFL with the Eagles and Colts.
Only five teams are projected to win 10 or more games by CG Technology: the Patriots (11 wins), Chiefs (10.5), Saints (10.5), Rams (10.5) and Chargers (10).
The Bears have the highest projected win total of any team in their division, narrowly beating out the Packers and Vikings, who are both projected to win nine games.
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Optimism abounds as the Bears enter their second year with coach Matt Nagy and defensive star Khalil Mack.
The team took massive strides last season en route to the division title, especially on offense under Nagy’s guidance.
There will be some question marks for the defense after losing coordinator Vic Fangio to the Broncos, but with Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, Kyle Fuller and others still on board, the unit should remain a strength.
Not every team enters 2019 with so much hope.
The Cardinals and Dolphins, teams in transition under new coaches, are projected to win five games.
Six teams, including Jon Gruden’s Raiders, are projected to win six games.
2019 NFL Win Totals
Via CG Technology
| TEAM | WIN TOTAL |
|---|---|
| Patriots | 11 |
| Chiefs | 10.5 |
| Rams | 10.5 |
| Saints | 10.5 |
| Chargers | 10 |
| Bears | 9.5 |
| Colts | 9.5 |
| Eagles | 9.5 |
| Browns | 9 |
| Packers | 9 |
| Steelers | 9 |
| Vikings | 9 |
| Cowboys | 8.5 |
| Falcons | 8.5 |
| Ravens | 8.5 |
| Seahawks | 8.5 |
| Texans | 8.5 |
| Titans | 8.5 |
| 49ers | 8 |
| Jaguars | 8 |
| Panthers | 8 |
| Broncos | 7 |
| Jets | 7 |
| Lions | 7 |
| Bengals | 6 |
| Bills | 6 |
| Buccaneers | 6 |
| Giants | 6 |
| Raiders | 6 |
| Redskins | 6 |
| Cardinals | 5 |
| Dolphins | 5 |
