After going 11-6 and winning the NFC North with a playoff win in 2025, the expectations for the Chicago Bears in 2026 are going to skyrocket like no other.
Everyone in the Windy City is expecting Bears head coach Ben Johnson to work his magic and get the team to perform even better. Quarterback Caleb Williams is going to be looked at as an early MVP candidate in 2026.
This is a lot to put on a team that had its first playoff appearance in five years, but the fan base had a taste of success and wants more. That might not be the case in 2026 like they expect.
Chicago Bears might not be as good in 2026 season
CBS Sports writer Bryan DeArdo went through all 12 playoff teams that were eliminated and ranked them for who had the best chance of getting to the Super Bowl in 2026. The Bears were ranked seventh, and DeArdo had a message for the fan base as to his thinking.
"There are several reasons why Bears fans might need to brace themselves for a letdown in 2026, starting with the fact that their team will face a whopping seven teams that made the playoffs a year ago.Â
Chicago won eight one-possession games in 2025 that was largely the byproduct of Caleb Williams' uncanny play in the clutch and a defense that led the league in turnovers forced. Those strengths largely overshadowed Williams dreadful 58.1% completion percentage Chicago's defense finishing 23rd in the league in points allowed.Â
In 2026, the Bears will need more consistent play from Williams and better overall play from their defense if they are going to avoid becoming next year's version of this year's Washington Commanders."
The big thing in the offseason is how much the Bears' defense will improve and what kind of pieces they can add. Every Bears fan wants them to add an elite pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson that can work with Montez Sweat and really elevate the unit.
Williams does need to make significant strides as a passer in 2026, as he can make all the incredible throws he can, but is missing the accuracy on a consistent basis. After completing less then 59% of his passes in 2025, it is a bit eye-opening for fans to see, and Johnson must make sure his quarterback improves upon that.
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Chicago is more than capable of getting back into the playoffs and making a run, but if they don't fix the issues of 2025, there's going to be a lot of upset fans in the Windy City.