Last year was far from anything the Chicago Bears were hoping to achieve after falling to a 5-12 record. Entering 2025, the expectations are much different for the Bears with new head coach Ben Johnson bringing hope to the fan base.
ESPN senior NFL writer Bill Barnwell wrote an in-depth piece on which NFL teams are most likely to improve in 2025. The Bears were on his like with Johnson, and quarterback Caleb Williams' combined forces leave fans and Barnwell with optimism entering the new year.
"I'm optimistic about Johnson, about Williams turning things around and that the NFC North might not be quite as difficult to crack as it seems based on 2024 records. I'm also being realistic when I say the Bears have both a higher ceiling and a lower floor than most other teams, a dynamic that played out during their hot start and subsequent collapse a year ago."
Can the Bears overachieve and make the postseason in 2025?
If that question were asked about the Bears' postseason chances in 2025 after their 38-0 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, most fans would lean towards them making it. The primary concern in the offseason is how Johnson and Williams would work together. Those concerns were met with clear answers in the game.
Johnson's brand of play-action bootlegs and quick passes was evident in Williams, which was refreshing to see after last year's 10 fumbles and 68 sacks were caused by Williams' indecisiveness in the pocket. Williams looked poised as he made all the throws needed, and some of the incompletions were met with accuracy or at least out of harm's way.
The offensive line has been strengthened with the interior, and the defensive line has two new starters there. Even with multiple injuries in the secondary, the defense looks as stacked as it has been in a long time.
Read more: Bears figuring out secondary injury concerns in 53-man roster prediction
Nothing should hold this Bears team back from improving. Whether they will make the postseason is a whole other question. Most fans would be happy to just see steady improvement throughout the season.