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With the Bears season officially kicking off Sunday on the lake against the Cincinnati Bengals, we'll allow everyone to make their final predictions for how the offense will stand at the end of the year.
With Marc Trestman at the helm, expectations are once again high for the Bears unit. Unlike past years though, there is plenty of evidence to support the high expectations. Trestman has a long history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. In addition to the QBs, Trestman also is known for adapting his scheme to fit his personnel and for protecting his quarterback.
Speaking of the protection, the made over offensive line has four new starters, two of which are rookies. While there could be some early-season growing pains (including Sunday against a scary front four from Cinci), the line should be improved for QB Jay Cutler.
Cutler, in a contract year, should be out to prove his worth and finally be the guy analysts and fans have wanted to see since '09. He's also got Brandon Marshall to throw to, as well as Alshon Jeffery, who should be better in year two and added TE Martellus Bennett. Trestman should get Matt Forte more involved as well.
Basically, what it boils down to is, there is a good chance we will finally see the glimpses of a potent offense that we've expected to see under Mike Martz and Mike Tice. No doubt there will be growing pains but as long as the offensive arrow is pointing up come seasons end, 2013 will be a successful season.
Final offensive ranking yards per game: Over/under 15th
Final points per game ranking: Over/under 15th
Points per game: Over/under 27.5
Yards per game: Over/under 355.5
Total offensive touchdowns: Over/under 36 (League average last year was ~36, Bears had 32)
3rd down percentage: Over/under 38.5
Side bets
Odds Cutler's first pass of the season is intercepted
Odds Cutler's first pass of the season is a touchdown
Odds offense finishes in top 10 in the league (yards or points per game)