Fully established as the Bears starter in 1976, he started all fourteen games, throwing for 1580 yards, although with a bad "td pass/int" ratio of 8/15. Chicago improved to a 7–7 mark. Avellini improved those numbers in 1977, passing for 2004 yards while once again starting every game for the Bears. His interception rate was rather high, throwing 18 picks compared to only 11 touchdown passes. The Bears showed improvement as they tied the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC Central title at 9–5 and earned a trip to the playoffs as the wildcard team, where they were handily beaten by the Dallas Cowboys. Walter Payton’s big season, he ran for over 1,800 yards rushing, had much to do with their success.