Pro Football Focus shreds the Chicago Bears in latest power rankings
The arrow appears to be pointing up for the Chicago Bears after an offseason in which they added two Pro-Bowl playmakers on offense, running back D'Andre Swift and wide receiver Keenan Allen, while adding a quarterback, Caleb Williams, who many view as the best rookie quarterback to enter the NFL since Andrew Luck.
The Bears are expected to be a playoff team in 2024 after winning seven games last season. The idea is that the Bears' improved offense will pair well with a defensive unit that is trending toward being a Top-10 unit in the league.
There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the Bears' entry into this season, but Pro Football Focus is asking fans to be patient.
In their latest power rankings, the Bears rank 20th out of 32 NFL Teams. Pro Football Focus also suggests that fans take the under on the team's win total of 8.5 games this season.
"Over/Under 8.5 win total: Under
- Pro Football Focus
On one hand, the Bears are a team with an ascending defense and a loaded receiving corps. On the other, they are a team with a rookie gunslinger, a new offensive coordinator and bottom-five trench units on both sides of the ball. Expectations are high, but patience will likely be needed as the Bears try to build a sustainable future."
This assessment of where the Bears may finish the 2024 season throws cold water on the idea that the team is ready to sit at the top of the NFC North division.
The biggest question will be how fast does playing at the NFL level click for Williams. If the transition is another exception to the rule, as was CJ Stroud's development last season with the Houston Texans, then it would seem that the Bears will easily win at least 9 games next season. However, if the progression isn't linear, that is likely where Pro Football Focus' expectations come into play.
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