The Bears defense is loaded again with talent, but has the offense improved? Oddsmakers have listed odds to win for the 2009 Super Bowl and have made the Chicago Bears 35/1 long shots.
The Bears biggest offseason addition was actually already on the roster. Chicago was able to re-sign playmaker Lance Briggs and insure its linebacker corps will be steady again in 2008. The team also brought back Rex Grossman to compete with Kyle Orton, and added Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd to their receiving corps. The Bears did lose playmaking wide out Bernard Berrian to division foe Minnesota.
The Bears’ defense should once again be solid, but there are some concerns on the offensive side of the ball. Most pundits figured Chicago would do more via free agency to address the offensive line, but the Bears decided instead to wait until the draft, adding Chris Williams in the first round. Williams will have the opportunity to help open holes for fellow rookie Matt Forte, who was handed the starting half back position when Cedric Benson was released because of off-field issues.
Chicago is considered a long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Bears’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 30/1 at SBG Global, to 40/1 at Bodog, to 35/1 at Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Bears’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 8, but clearly think Chicago will lose more than 8 games considering the under pays out at –120 compared to -110 for the over.
The Bears didn’t have a great offseason – especially with what happened to Benson – but the team is confident that Orton and Forte will turn around their offensive woes. The defense should once again be tough to score on and Devin Hester is the best kick returner in the league, often setting up the offense with tremendous field position. The Bears are only two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, so could they be a surprise winner in 2008?
Chicago Bears Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 30-1
Bodog 40-1
Sportsbook.com 35-1
Chicago Bears 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Chicago Bears Over 8 Wins (-110)
Chicago Bears Under 8 Wins (-120)