Early NightLink: Strength of Schedule Minus the Lions

by Dane Noble on Apr 16, 2009 4:13 PM CDT

A lot was discussed about where the Bears would have stacked up against the rest of the league if we had not played the winless Lions last season. Because, as it is now, we have the easiest schedule in 2009. But, the ever-clever Kevin Seifert over at espn.com adjusted the strength of schedules by removing all of the Lions' games from the equation. Much to my surprise, the Bears didn't move up that much.

Everyone moved up a bit, but some more than others. Below are the three non-Detroit teams and where they would rank in a SOS chart that eliminates the Lions entirely:

Green Bay: No. 21 (up from No. 30)
Minnesota: No. 24 (up from No. 31)
Chicago: No. 29 (up from No. 32)

(Detroit, predictably, fell from No. 21 to No. 30.)

Still, with us playing the Steelers, Cardinals, Falcons, Eagles, and Vikings, how could that possibly still be the 29th easiest schedule in 2009?

Tweet Comment 19 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

That's an easy answer!

The pack was 5-11 the hawks were 4-12 the bungles were 3-12-1 and the brownies were 4-12 that’s how.

Awww, man what am I supposed to do about my sig now?

by scespy12 on Apr 16, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions

Yup

and we all know that means nothing this year. I don’t think we have the easiest schedule but I do think we have a favorable schedule and should produce some good results this year.

Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.

by Ditkavsworld on Apr 16, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions

How are the SOS calculated?

Combined records of opponents?

WBULTV - BDale TV Prod

by bdalebs on Apr 16, 2009 4:45 PM CDT reply actions

Total wins of the opponents vs total losses of opponents

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

by Dane Noble on Apr 16, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I predict...

We will be 12-4 this year. Mark that down.

by Bearsguy34 on Apr 16, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions

That's a fair estimate.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on Apr 16, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I still think we go 10-6

Not all the holes on D have been shored up enough for me and the o-line has still not proved anything yet.

by Sam Householder on Apr 16, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions

Here is my list...

Packers W
Steelers L
Seahwaks W
Lions W
Falcons W
Bungles W
Browns W
Cardinals L
San Fran W
Eagles W
Vikings L (we hate the Dome, who doesn’t??)
Rams W
Packers W
Ravens L
Vikings W
Lions W

by Bearsguy34 on Apr 16, 2009 5:12 PM CDT reply actions

I see 9 - 5

With Atlanta and Baltimore as tossups – man, I hope we get that W in Atlanta to make up for that disaster last season.

And I hope we get the W in Baltimore because I just f***ing hate Ray Lewis.

(4 – 2 in the division if anyone’s curious)

Insert clever and witty remark slash pun here!

UMD 8/04 - 5/08: Go Terps!

by ES46NE10 on Apr 16, 2009 6:06 PM CDT reply actions

And What About

The other two games the bears play?? =P

by DieHardBearsCubs on Apr 16, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Ha, nevermind,

I think I understand your post now… my bad.

by DieHardBearsCubs on Apr 16, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I see 10-6 as realistic...

spilts in the division (not DET). Losses to Pitt and Cards. And should’ve wons against Falcons or Browns or Eagles; pick 2. That’s 6-2 home and 4-4 road, mostly because offense is improved and tends to win more at home. Am I really saying Cutler means only one more win?…Maybe they get to 11-5…

by LostInSTL on Apr 16, 2009 7:31 PM CDT reply actions