There are high expectations for the Chicago Bears in 2026 after the insanity of what occurred last year with their playoff run to the NFC Divisional Round.
Things certainly feel much different: Bears fans expect a better season, and experts believe Chicago will be competitive, but it's not really part of many Super Bowl predictions. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen not only thinks the Bears will make the Super Bowl, but also that they will win it all.
"Bears over Bills. Chicago needs to add pass rushers, but the foundational players are there on offense under coach Ben Johnson. With quarterback Caleb Williams' playmaking ability, the Bears will beat Josh Allen and Joe Brady's Bills to win Super Bowl LXI."
NFL analyst thinks Bears will win the Super Bowl in 2026
The Bears give the city of Chicago a lot to believe in, as this is an offense that finished in the top 10 in yards per game, led by rising star quarterback Caleb Williams and a plethora of young skill players around him. That offensive line, which went from allowing 68 sacks in 2024 to 24 in 2025, is also a big reason to believe.
One thing that could hold the Bears back from winning it all is the defense, which was in the bottom five in total defense. They recorded an NFL-high 33 turnovers in 2025, but they can't live on turnovers alone. This defense has to do better in the red zone.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson has done a phenomenal job in just one season in Chicago, completely changing the culture and teaching the team how to win games. After taking home seven wins from comebacks and game-winning drives (an NFL record), it's easy to see how they have been successful.
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The media is starting to believe in the Bears, and fans should be bought in as well.