ESPN uses unique tool to project Bears playoff chances
The Chicago Bears have made significant upgrades throughout the roster over the 2023 offseason. Time will tell just how much better the 2023 Bears will be compared to last season’s version, but ESPN’s Football Power Index is one tool used to calculate each team’s chances ahead of the regular season. In ESPN’s FPI, each team’s […]
The Chicago Bears have made significant upgrades throughout the roster over the 2023 offseason. Time will tell just how much better the 2023 Bears will be compared to last season’s version, but ESPN’s Football Power Index is one tool used to calculate each team’s chances ahead of the regular season.
In ESPN’s FPI, each team’s chances of making the playoffs, winning their division, reaching certain rounds in the postseason and even winning the Super Bowl are all quantified. Let’s dive into where the Bears stand in a few of these categories.
When it comes to making the playoffs, which would be considered a tremendous success in the eyes of Bears fans, Chicago checks in at 34.2%.
The Detroit Lions (65.4%) and the Minnesota Vikings (51.8%) rank ahead of the Bears while the Green Bay Packers (27.9%) bring up the rear in the NFC North. The Packers and Lions have switched roles, but these numbers aren’t shocking.
As far as odds to win the division go, the Lions lead the charge with a 43.2% chance to sit atop the NFC North’s throne. Interestingly enough, Detroit has the second-worst odds of any projected division winner in the NFL.
The rest of the NFC North goes as follows, according to FPI:
Minnesota Vikings – 28.7%
Chicago Bears – 15.9%
Green Bay Packers – 12.2%
It wouldn’t be right to wrap this up without mentioning Chicago’s chances to win the Super Bowl. If the Bears can go from worst to first, they will have to overcome FPI’s 0.6% odds they’ve been given, which ranks 23rd in the NFL.
Click to view ESPN's Football Power Index.
