CHICAGO BEARS

2006 record: 13-3

Outlook: The Bears, who had a couple of significant personnel losses and didn't do much to upgrade, still are the class of a weak division.

Best-case scenario: QB Rex Grossman discovers consistency and RB Cedric Benson makes up for the departure of Thomas Jones, complementing a solid defense even without DT Tank Johnson.

Worst-case scenario: Grossman sputters, rendering the Bears' offense one-dimensional, and an aging line can't open enough holes for Benson.

Parting shot: The offseason drama didn't help, but the Bears would have to slump badly not to make the playoffs again.

2007 schedule

Sept. 9 at San Diego, 2:15 p.m.

Sept. 16 Kansas City, 2:15 p.m.

Sept. 23 Dallas, 6:15 p.m.

Sept. 30 at Detroit, 11 a.m.

Oct. 7 at Green Bay, 6:15 p.m.

Oct. 14 Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Oct. 21 at Philadelphia, 2:15 p.m.

Oct. 28 Detroit, 11 a.m.

Nov. 4 BYE

Nov. 11 at Oakland, 2:15 p.m.

Nov. 18 at Seattle, 6:15 p.m.

Nov. 25 Denver, 11 a.m.

Dec. 2 New York Giants, 2:15 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Washington, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 23 Green Bay, 11 a.m.

Dec. 30 New Orleans, 11 a.m.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

2006 record: 6-10

Outlook: The Vikings are counting on unproven QB Tarvaris Jackson and a defense that was lopsided in '06 — No. 1 vs. the run, but No. 31 vs. the pass.

Best-case scenario: Minny starts 4-0 vs. a weak schedule, Jackson settles in, and the pass defense does its part.

Worst-case scenario: The Vikes' 2-8 finish in '06 bleeds over in '07, Jackson is a bust and the defense isn't as stout vs. the run.

Parting shot: The Vikings face the Bears, Cowboys, Eagles and Chargers in succession after a bye in Week 5 and could be buried by midseason.

2007 schedule

Sept. 9 Atlanta, 11 a.m.