The Chicago Bears are entering 2016 with high hopes of getting back into playoff contention. Last year was a rough season for the Bears, as they finished the season with a 6-10 record and last in the NFC North division. John Fox believes he can get the team back on track this season, but his hope has to turn into reality on the field.

Jay Cutler is coming off of a solid season last year, and the Bears need to take him to take his game to a new level once again. He will be asked to shoulder a large portion of the weight for the offense.

Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White could become one of the top wide receiver duos in the entire NFL. Both players are capable of making huge plays down the field and are big targets for Cutler. Depending on how White plays in his first NFL season, Chicago’s aerial attack could be lethal.

Chicago’s defense has been one of their biggest weaknesses over the last few seasons, and they tried to fix the issues in free agency. Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman were both brought in, while the Bears drafted Leonard Floyd in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

That being said, what five bold predictions that can be made for the Chicago Bears heading into the 2016 NFL season?

[AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi]

Jay Cutler Will Throw for At Least 4,000 Yards, 35 Touchdowns

It is time for Jay Cutler to break out and show the superstar potential that made the Bears acquire him from the Denver Broncos. He showed flashes of that potential last season, but Chicago will need more of that and much more consistently this year. Cutler will step up and will throw for at least 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns while also limiting his turnovers to under 15 interceptions thrown.

Jordan Howard Will Become Starting RB and Provide Long-Term Stability

Jordan Howard was not a huge name heading into the NFL Draft this year, but the Bears were happy to take him with the No. 150 overall pick in the draft. He will become the Bears’ starting running back and will prove to be a legitimate long-term option at the position. Jeremy Langford will still get some carries, but Howard will be the main back for the Bears.

Kevin White Will Break Out with 1,000 Yards and 12 Touchdowns Receiving

There is a lot of excitement surrounding Kevin White around Chicago as the season continues to draw closer. While he will not retain his rookie status after missing all of last season, he will still break out with a huge season. White will record at least 1,000 receiving yards throughout the season and will catch 12 touchdowns as well.

[AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh]

Leonard Floyd Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

After drafting Leonard Floyd with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, the Bears are expecting him to step up this season. He will bring top-notch pass rushing ability to go along with speed to cover the entire field and make plays. Floyd will have a huge season for the Bears in 2016 and will end up winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Chicago Will Make It Into the NFL Playoffs as a Wild Card Team

Chicago has a great head coach in John Fox and they have put together a very talented and improved roster for him to work with. The Bears aren’t going to win the NFC North division, but they will get into the postseason as a Wild Card team. It isn’t going to be easy, and it will take a lot of hard work, but they will find a way to make it happen.

Expect to see the Bears take a big jump forward this season from last year and to get themselves back into the playoffs.

Do you think the Chicago Bears will make the NFL playoffs this season? What are your thoughts on the five bold predictions? Let us know in the comment box below!

[Photo by Jeffrey Phelps/AP Images]