Realistic outlook on Bears' 2026 season still leaves heartbreak on the table

Most Chicago Bears fans have high expectations for the team entering the 2026 season, but what should the realistic expectations be for the team?

The hope is that they can win the Super Bowl and make a run in Year 2 under Ben Johnson as the head coach. Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame gives it to Bears fans straight on how they should view the outcome of the 2026 season.

"Chicago has a chance to author a memorable season. The Bears were within a play or two of reaching the NFC championship game last season, and should improve with continued experience for Williams, Loveland, Monangai, Odunze and others. That’s to say nothing of Johnson, who in his second season stands to improve with hindsight now a weapon.

For this group, the biggest question is whether the defense can hold up. In 2025, it was ranked 29th in yards and 23rd in points allowed under veteran coordinator Dennis Allen. More range and athleticism should help in the secondary, but the personnel up front hasn’t changed enough to warrant optimism for improvement. Ultimately, though, these Bears are talented enough to challenge anybody in a league that, beyond the Rams, lacks truly great rosters."

Bears might still end the season in heartbreak against the Rams

Last season, it was the Rams who gave them the biggest headache after losing to them in overtime of the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs 20-17. It feels like after the Myles Garrett trade that the Rams just look unstoppable in 2026.

Bears fans might want a Super Bowl sooner, but waiting another year could be more realistic. The Rams might end up losing key pieces after 2026 as it appears they are going all-in on a Super Bowl title.

Chicago still has some gaps on their roster that need to be addressed before it can even think about a Super Bowl title. On defense, they need to find a piece or two more that can help, primarily at edge rusher, as this pass rush has struggled over the years. Even with Montez Sweat's 10 sacks last year, the rest of the team had only 23; they need more firepower.

The good news is that the offense is pretty much in place, and it's just a matter of developing the young players. While the offensive line might have some concerns at left tackle and center for the future, two All-Pros on the line should be able to cover that up for a bit.

Johnson is the right man to lead this franchise to the Super Bowl, and they have time to get the job done, but the Rams are just a far superior team at the moment. Give the Bears another year or so, and this time they will be in a much different spot where they might be the top contenders.

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