The Chicago Bears aren’t sneaking up on anyone this year, but after winning the NFC North with a 12-4 record, both straight up and against the spread, the betting market expects regression at Soldier Field in 2019. The Bears' season win total is 9 (UNDER -120) at the Westgate SuperBook, while the South Point is dealing 9.5 (UNDER -150). Their division is one of the most competitive in football, as three teams -- Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota -- are all priced at 2/1 odds at the Westgate to finish atop the NFC North. At the South Point, the Packers are the +150 (3/2 odds) favorites, followed by the Bears (+175) and Vikings (+220). Both Las Vegas sportsbooks list Chicago as a -120 favorite to make the playoffs. As the push for the 2019 season officially begins this week, with Matt Nagy’s squad [beginning training camp](https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/07/20/bears-training-camp/) in Bourbonnais, here are reasons to bet on or against Chicago this year. ## Three reasons to bet the Bears __Defense:__ This high-caliber unit is strong at all three layers. Barring a serious injury to star Khalil Mack ([whose odds are 100/1 to become the first defensive player to be named NFL MVP in 33 years](https://www.betchicago.com/nfl-mvp-odds-khalil-mack-bears-longshot-bet)) or Akiem Hicks, this defense is poised to keep the Bears in games all season long after allowing an NFL-low 283 points (17.6 point a game) in 2018. __Nagy factor:__ While the September 1 [trade for Khalil Mack](https://www.betchicago.com/khalil-mack-trade-prompts-big-adjustments-to-bears-odds-in-las-vegas) deserves credit as a franchise-changing move, Nagy's performance in 2018 earned him NFL coach of the year honors. In his second year on the job, Nagy's command of the team should only grow. Chicago may have something special in the 41-year-old Nagy. __More weapons for Mitchell Trubisky:__ The Bears signed Mike Davis and drafted David Montgomery in the third round to change the look of the running back position. Chicago wants to give Montgomery a chance to be an instant contributor both as a rusher and pass catcher. The team also signed speedy receiver Cordarrelle Patterson and drafted receiver Riley Ridley. The idea of these additions is, of course, to help Trubisky in his third season. No matter how good the Bears defense can be, they won’t be a true Super Bowl contender unless Trubisky continues to make strides __ALSO READ__: [Is Trubisky worth a flier to win NFL MVP at 60/1 odds?](https://www.betchicago.com/nfl-mvp-odds-mitchell-trubisky-bears-liability) ## Three reasons to fade 'em __Fangio factor:__ Hired by the Denver Broncos as head coach after leading the monstrous Bears defense, Vic Fangio was the team's biggest loss from last season. The Bears are confident in his replacement, former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, but while it would be a surprise if this talented defense swoons without Fangio, there is a chance it takes a step back in his absence. __Tough schedule:__ [The schedule is not easy](https://www.betchicago.com/nfl-schedule-games-chicago-bears-season). In addition to two games each against Green Bay and Minnesota, the Bears face three other division winners from the NFC (Saints, Rams, Cowboys), thanks to their first-place finish last year. The 2019 slate also features Philadelphia (who stunned the Bears in the NFC divisional playoffs) and AFC West powerhouses Kansas City and the Chargers. The tough schedule suggests regression. __Kicking game:__ The Bears still haven’t figured out their biggest flaw – kicker. They have had a turnstile at the position this offseason and head to training camp with Elliott Fry and Eddy Pineiro. Neither has attempted an NFL kick. The days of Cody ‘Double Doink’ Parkey may be over, but the Bears are far from settled at kicker. It will be a huge focus in camp and in the preseason, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the Bears are still looking for a solution on the waiver wire in early September with the season opener against Green Bay looming. __MORE COVERAGE:__[ Check out our complete NFL coverage. ](https://www.betchicago.com/nfl-betting)