The Chicago Bears are taking some much-needed time off before training camp begins next month, and to officially wash off the smell of 2024.
Chicago went 5-12 last year in the midst of turnover within the coaching staff that hindered the development of their young number one overall pick Caleb Williams. Nothing went right for the Bears in 2024 from poor offensive line play to close losses most weeks.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles had one of the busiest offseasons of any NFL team, with a makeover needed and received in Chicago. There is a different feeling going into 2025 that the Bears might be a legit playoff team. Early predictions for the season are showing the Bears should make progress.
No playoffs in Bears' predictions, but much better season in 2025
FanSided's NFL Spin Zone writer, Lou Scataglia, gave his predictions for how each NFC North Division team will finish the 2025 season. Scataglia has the Detroit Lions winning the division with a 12-5 record and the Green Bay Packers finishing with an 11-6 record.
The Bears landed at third with an 8-9 overall record, and the Minnesota Vikings were predicted to be last at 6-11. It should bring some comfort that Chicago is at least expected to do better than the Vikings after Scataglia's high compliments paid on the offseason moves.
"While the Chicago Bears do have enough talent to finish with a winning record, it might be more likely that they win a little bit more than they did in 2024 and set the stage for a massive 2026 season. The offensive line got what it needed in the offseason, and hiring Ben Johnson was an A+ move by Ryan Poles.
Chicago is absolutely trending in the right direction."
Three new offensive linemen in the interior of the line have been the difference between this offseason than last. Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson will be the make-or-break moves for Chicago to help keep Williams upright and not retaking 68 sacks.
The NFL Draft also saw the addition of promising pieces, with Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III poised to make an immediate impact in the passing game. Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo appears to be the future of the offensive line, even if he doesn't start at tackle this year. Fourth-round selection Ruben Hyppolite II might see more playing time on defense than expected, as he is a projected starter in 2025.
Read more: Ben Johnson's hot seat temperature checked going into season one with Bears
Poles has constructed a roster that can compete much better than last year's team. Most importantly, though, this is a roster that can compete for a long time. The future in Chicago is more important to make sure it's secure, versus just focusing on this year.
Johnson has the vision as the head coach. Now, the Bears have to put it all together for the new season.