The Chicago Bears are one of three clubs with a winning record and a negative point differential through Week 9 of the 2025 NFL campaign. With that in mind, folks aren't ready to anoint them as a legitimate playoff threat, and ESPN's Dan Graziano is seemingly among the skeptics.
Graziano divided the teams that could be active ahead of the league's Nov. 4 trade deadline into four categories: "stuck in the middle, contenders making moves and subtracting/adding." Do you want to guess where he put the 5-3 Bears?
Chicago was listed along with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots as "upstart contenders" who may add talent. However, Graziano ostensibly doesn't hold the Bears in as high regard as the other two squads based on his stance on them possibly being buyers.
NFL insider issues thinly-veiled warning to Bears ahead of trade deadline
Despite including them with the Colts and Patriots, Graziano pondered if Chicago "might fit better as one of the 'in-betweeners.'" He contemplated whether the Bears are ready to compete now or "still at least a year away," insinuating they shouldn't let success fuel rash decision-making.
By the sound of it, Graziano isn't sold on the Bears, who are currently the first group out of the NFC postseason picture. The tone of his message casts doubt about what they've achieved thus far under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Nevertheless, justifiable or not, knowing general manager Ryan Poles' history, the insider doesn't rule out the possibility of Chicago being aggressive.
"[B]ut they've shown enough to convince themselves they can compete for a playoff spot in Ben Johnson's first year as coach," Graziano wrote of the Bears. "GM Ryan Poles tends to be active this time of year ... ."
Reporting from Graziano featured a fence-sitting masterclass. He recognized the Bears' efforts this season, considering they were mentioned in the same tier as the Colts and Pats. However, his acknowledgement of Johnson's early positive results in Chicago was doused with dubious undertones.
Read more: Ben Johnson just confirmed what Bears fans saw in thrilling win vs. Bengals
Yet, Graziano cites a "need [for] help on defense," Poles' tendencies and Chicago's impressive start as reasons for Poles to wheel and deal. Either way, how the Bears approach the stretch run will be a massive talking point.