NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears have been pushing the narrative announcing the arrival of change since the start of the offseason.
Matt Nagy has installed optimism for quarterback Mitch Trubisky’s future thanks in part to a slew of new coaches, players, and innovative offensive game plan. Even GM Ryan Pace and the rest of the Bears front office has a newfound sense of transparency, which has also been at the forefront of change. It’s all led to more positive vibes (than normal) surrounding the team and its future (of course, some still don’t buy in).
But here’s the thing: NFL oddsmakers aren’t buying the hype.
Bovada shared its most recent futures odds and listed the Bears’ chances to win the NFC and lift the George S. Halas trophy for the first time since 2006 at 40-1. That puts Chicago tied for the longest of long shots with the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears’ Super Bowl odds are even lower, but haven’t changed from the 100-1 shot they have been at Bovada for quite some time.
Despite the injection of fresh faces and new concepts, the oddsmakers are of the belief that a new year will still bring the same old Bears. But why?
Perhaps the reasoning is as simple: the NFC – particularly the NFC North – is loaded. The Green Bay Packers’ odds of winning the NFC are at 6-1, while the Minnesota Vikings are on their heels at 7-1. You’ll also find the Los Angeles Rams at 7-1 and San Francisco 49ers at 11-1. So we’re looking at a group of four teams – against whom the Bears will play six games – expected to be among the top contenders to win the conference. Oh, and you can make it seven if you want to include the New England Patriots – who are the odds-on favorites to win the AFC.
No one said it’d be easy.
None of this is to say the Bears can’t turn the football world on its ear, play out of their mind, and be the surprise team no one saw coming – and considering that they play seven games against teams that are 50-1 long shots to win the Super Bowl this season, a surprise showing by Chicago isn’t out of the question – but the odds aren’t on it.
But, hey, the Philadelphia Eagles had 50-1 odds at this time last year. So let’s not discount anything just yet.
