Fifth in a series

The Bears have a new offensive coordinator in Mike Tice and he plans to emphasis a balanced power rushing attack. It's an old-school attitude that works well. A great example is former Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs, who believed in strong offensive lines to pound the ball, which would open downfield opportunities. It's the key reason why Tice wants a playmaking wide receiver.

That's good news for Matt Forté owners and it will allow Jay Cutler to be a solid No. 2 fantasy quarterback. Tice also plans to adjust his play-calling and schemes to fit his players instead of trying to force the players to fit the system.

QB Jay Cutler: How will the new offense affect him in 2012? 

Cutler is beginning to remind me of 49ers QB Alex Smith. He's on his third coordinator in four years and the fourth in his six-year career. Remember, everyone wanted former offensive coordinator Mike Martz and his pass-happy schemes to maximize Cutler's play after two lackluster seasons in a vanilla offense.  It turned into a bad fit, but in Cutler's defense, between subpar wide receivers, schemes and poor offensive-line play, at times he never had a chance. 

He had an average of 231.9 yards and 1.3 TDs with 0.7 interceptions in 10 games last season. Right now, view him as a No. 2 fantasy QB, as his play must improve. He has been on the roster long enough where high expectations have turned into fantasy disappointment. The team needs to make sure he stays on his feet with better play from the line and upgrades at wide receiver. How that shakes out will play a hand with his value but it's time to be practical using historical data versus potential talent.

RB Matt Forté: Will he get his contract or hold out?

Forté has a clean bill of health from the medial collateral ligament he sprained in his right knee. His selection to his first Pro Bowl ups his value and leverage in contract negotiations. Look for the team to secure its GM position before reopening talks, but everyone believes Forté will be a Bear in 2012 — either through the use of the franchise tag or a long-term deal. He did hint he could hold out if he is franchised.

Forté averaged 21.3 utilizations for 123.9 yards from scrimmage but only 0.3 TDs in 12 games. He totaled four TDs. TD-vulture Marion Barbern scored five in 2011. Based on those numbers and his locker-room standing, the team doesn't have great leverage and risks alienating the team against management if he doesn't get his payday. Forté will be a coveted running back, but realize that Mike Martz was able to maximize his dual-threat talent. Forté might not see those per-game numbers again, making him a slightly overvalued RB.

RB Kahlil Bell and Marion Barber: Who is the handcuff player to target?

Right now, Barber's future is in doubt after missing five games (the first three weeks and the last two weeks) and some brutal play against the Broncos and Chiefs. Bell was outstanding down the stretch but will struggle between the tackles. If the Bears are going to use a power rushing attack, Barber at 5-11, 218 pounds, has the power to run between the tackles. However, Bell at 5-11, 219 pounds could be the alternative, especially with his ability as a dual-threat RB. His one downside that many forget? Bell was injury-prone in college. Also, keeping those three RBs could be too costly.

For dynasty owners, Bell would be the surer pick, as Barber might not make it to camp.

WR position: What does the team do to improve the WR corps?

Tice wants a big-play receiver after having Randy Moss when he was a head coach in Minnesota. He understands the importance of the vertical game to help keep defenses honest. The team has to address the WR position and logic dictates the team could have two new starters in 2012.

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