The 2010 Chicago Bears will be coming off a disappointing 7-9 straight up season in NFL predictions which quarterback Jay Cutler clearly struggled in his first year in the Windy City after arriving with much hype from Denver. The Bears were just 6-10 against the spread in NFL betting picks last year as they clearly did not meet the expectations of the gambling public as they went under the total in 10 out of 16 games. The public that was so high on the Bears last year has clearly stayed away as Chicago has opened as a 30-1 longshot at online sportsbooks to win in Super Bowl odds for the 2010 season with an over/under win total of 8 UNDER (125).
Those numbers may end up proving to be a bargain price in NFL picks though. The Chicago Bears defense was devastated with the loss of leader and linebacker Brian Urlacher, who returns for 2010 after missing the entire 2009 season. The Bears can use the veteran as they ranked 21st for points allowed and will have Rod Marinelli take over as coordinator. The 23rd ranked offense will also have a new coordinator as Mike Martz takes over and will bring a much more aggressive approach. Cutler had a terrible 27/26 TD/INT ratio that should significantly improve but must be reigned in for wild play that can easily be triggered by the Martz system.
Culter still lacks a top number one receiver heading into camp, however, which every team needs if they are expected in NFL odds to reach deep into the playoffs. Matt Forte is a valuable running back that ran for over 900 yards and caught 57 passes last year and should thrive with Martz. Head coach Lovie Smith acknowledges this is a make or break year after the Bears have missed the playoffs every season since their 2006 Super Bowl run. With good coordinators and a healthier team, the Bears are a superb dark horse candidate in 2010 NFL predictions.