Studs: DE Julius Peppers, LB Brian Urlacher, KR Devin Hester
Duds: QB Jay Cutler
Sleepers: RB Chester Taylor, WR Devin Aromashodu, FS Major Wright (rookie)
X-Factor: Can offensive whiz Mike Martz work his magic on QB Jay Cutler?
Synopsis: There may not be a hotter seat in football than the chair that head coach Lovie Smith occupies. Since their Super Bowl appearance in ’07, the Bears have failed to make the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Offensive whiz Mike Martz was brought in to help restore order. After a horrendous 27 interception performance by QB Jay Cutler last season, Martz has installed his intricate play-calling system, which could prove to be a boom-or-bust type of ploy. Should Cutler stumble again, both Smith and Martz could find themselves on the unemployment line.