Chicago Bears

Offense

The Bears’ playbook has seen some changes in Madden NFL 17 and is now a balanced playbook with plenty of chances for big plays downfield. Run-first players will need an all-around HB, while pass-first players should aim for a big receiving target.

Key Formation

Singleback Tight Flex is the optimal formation to start out in, especially if you get a balanced TE who can run-block and hit the seam. If you can’t block your opponent’s pass rush, drop back to shotgun.

Key Player

QB with 95+ Throw Power

Formations

• SINGLEBACK: Jumbo, Jumbo Pair, Jumbo Z, Ace, Ace Pair, Ace Pair Twins, Bunch, Doubles, Y-Trips, Wing Trips Open
• I-FORM: Pro, H Tight, Tight Pair
• STRONG: Tight
• GUN: SPLIT SLOT, DOUBLES OFFSET, DOUBLES HB WK, DBLS WING OFFSET WK, STACK OFFSET WK, Y-TRIPS HB WK, WING TRIPS BEAR, WING TRIPS BEAR WK, BUNCH OFFSET, BUNCH OPEN OFFSET, TRIPS TE OFFSET, SPREAD HB WK, TRIPS Y-FLEX TIGHT, TRIPS Y ISO, EMPTY Y-FLEX, EMPTY Y SLOT

No matter which style you want PRO TIP to run, having a big arm to unleash an attempt downfield once per half will keep the defense hesitant to cram the box.

OFFENSIVE Draft Targets

• HB (SPD, TRK, CTH)
• WR (6’3”+ RTE, SPC)
• QB (THP, DAC, PAC)

Defense

The Bears have changed over to a 3-4 playbook and will really benefit from pass-rushing defensive ends who won’t need to drop into zone too frequently. No matter what, you still need a solid MLB who is built for zone coverage.

Key Formation

The Bears’ Nickel 2-4-5 Prowl is a great defensive formation that can really give the offense headaches. Start with the Cover 2 Drop, and see if all the commotion before the snap doesn’t throw your opponent off for a while.

Key Player

MLB with 85+ Play Recognition

Formations

• 3-4: Odd, Under, Over, Even, Bear
• NICKEL: 2-4-5, 2-4-5 DBL A GAP, 3-3-5, WIDE
• BIG DIME: 2-3-6, 2-3-6 WILL

• Drafting a second MLB isn’t a terrible move if a good one appears during your draft. This would have you using 3-3-5 Wide less often or using formation subs to get crafty.

DEFENSIVE Draft Targets

• MLB (PRC, ZCV, SPD)
• DE (STR, BSH, PMV)
• CB (MCV, ZCV, PRS)