The Chicago Bears fan base finally has a team they can cheer for and be proud of after a decade of barely any success.
Last year, the Bears finished with an 11-6 record and an NFC North title and reached the NFC Divisional Round after beating the Green Bay Packers in the first round. While that should mean better success in 2026, Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport is predicting something else to happen: the Bears lose 10 games after winning the division in 2025.
"The Chicago Bears were one of the NFL's most surprising teams in 2025, coming from nowhere to win 11 games and the NFC North. It was the team's best record and first division title since 2018. However, in that dream season, everything that could go right did.
It's not just the Bears, either. The team plays in one of the league's harder divisions. The Green Bay Packers were a playoff team last year. The Detroit Lions were the NFC's No. 1 seed two years ago. The Minnesota Vikings won 14 games in 2024 and could be formidable this year if they get capable quarterback play. Chicago also has concerns on defense, both on the edge and in the secondary. That sets the stage for a significant step back in 2026—and a real chance the Bears tumble from NFC North champs to the bottom of the division."
Bears are predicted to actually miss the postseason in 2026
If this truly did happen, the Bears would be right back to square one with the franchise. It wouldn't be the end of the world, but there would be plenty of questions about what happened to get them there.
Chicago missing the playoffs would most likely mean the defense failed in some capacity, which might mean the end of Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator. It would also require the Bears to overhaul the front seven by adding edge rushers and building up the linebackers.
A lot of it could depend on how the offense looked, too, as there is a lot of young talent on the roster. Would a nightmare scenario like this mean Caleb Williams regressed in Year 3? Williams already has some concerns about his accuracy and tendency to try to do too much himself.
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The Bears are too good to let something like going 7-10 happen in 2026, but the team having the toughest schedule in the NFL has everyone believing it will take a step back. Not making the playoffs would be too far and would send the city into a frenzy.
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