In the Spotlight: Chicago Bears Look to Build on Breakout 2025 Season

The Chicago Bears enter 2026 facing a different set of expectations after one of the NFL’s biggest turnarounds last season. Chicago improved from 5-12 in 2024 to 11-6, captured its first NFC North championship since 2018 and defeated Green Bay in the Wild Card round before losing 20-17 to the Rams in the divisional playoffs. Much of the optimism centers on Caleb Williams and his continued development under coach Ben Johnson. Williams set a Bears single-season record with 3,942 passing yards in 2025, throwing 27 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 388 yards and three scores.

What to Watch

Year two of the Williams-Johnson partnership is the biggest storyline. Williams now has a full season in Johnson’s offense behind him, allowing the coaching staff to focus more heavily on his post-snap development rather than simply mastering the system. The supporting cast remains intriguing. D’Andre Swift returns in the backfield, while Luther Burden III is among the receivers expected to play a significant role. Chicago did trade DJ Moore to Buffalo during the offseason, creating an opportunity for other pass catchers to emerge. The Bears also addressed several needs through free agency and the draft. Defensive back Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore were among the notable signings. Chicago also added safety Dillon Thieneman, receiver Zavion Thomas, defensive back Malik Muhammad and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott through the 2026 draft.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like BetMGM and BetRivers expect Chicago to remain in the NFL playoff race but aren’t making the defending division champions the NFC North favorite. DraftKings listed the Bears at +305 to win the division as of Sept. 1, with Chicago +1250 to win the NFC and +2400 to win the Super Bowl. The win total sits at 9.5, with Over 9.5 at +105 and Under 9.5 at -125. Chicago is also -105 to make the playoffs. Repeating an 11-win season could depend on whether the Bears can maintain the turnover success that helped drive last year’s turnaround. Chicago led the NFL with a plus-22 turnover differential in 2025.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 11-6, first in NFC North.
• Key players to watch: Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, Luther Burden III, Joe Thuney, Montez Sweat, T.J. Edwards and Darnell Wright.
• Expected starting QB: Caleb Williams.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Coby Bryant, Devin Bush, Neville Gallimore, Kalif Raymond, Garrett Bradbury, Dillon Thieneman, Malik Muhammad, Keyshaun Elliott and Zavion Thomas.
• Betting odds to win NFC North: +305.
• Betting odds to win NFC: +1250.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +2400.
• Win totals over/under: 9.5 wins — Over +105 / Under -125.

2026-27 Chicago Bears Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 13	at Carolina Panthers	1:00 p.m.	FOX
2	Sept. 20	vs. Minnesota Vikings	1:00 p.m.	FOX
3	Sept. 28	vs. Philadelphia Eagles	8:15 p.m.	ESPN/ABC
4	Oct. 4	vs. New York Jets	1:00 p.m.	FOX
5	Oct. 11	at Green Bay Packers	4:25 p.m.	FOX
6	Oct. 18	at Atlanta Falcons	1:00 p.m.	FOX
7	Oct. 22	vs. New England Patriots	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
8	Nov. 2	at Seattle Seahawks	8:15 p.m.	ESPN
9	Nov. 8	vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	8:20 p.m.	NBC
10	—	BYE	—	—
11	Nov. 22	vs. New Orleans Saints	1:00 p.m.	FOX
12	Nov. 26	at Detroit Lions	1:00 p.m.	CBS
13	Dec. 6	vs. Jacksonville Jaguars	1:00 p.m.	FOX
14	Dec. 13	at Miami Dolphins	1:00 p.m.	CBS
15	Dec. 19	at Buffalo Bills	8:20 p.m.	CBS
16	Dec. 25	vs. Green Bay Packers	1:00 p.m.	Netflix
17	Jan. 3	vs. Detroit Lions	4:25 p.m.	FOX
18	TBD	at Minnesota Vikings	TBD	TBD

Chicago’s schedule features five scheduled prime-time games, a Thanksgiving trip to Detroit and a Christmas Day showdown with Green Bay. The Bears then finish with three straight NFC North games, potentially making the final weeks crucial in the division race.