Bleacher Report went through each team and discussed why the team should not be overlooked. The Chicago Bears' reason is quite obvious to anyone who followed them this offseason.
"The Bears are ready to exit their lengthy rebuilding period and put themselves back on the map in 2025.Alex Kay
With Ben Johnson—arguably the most hyped first-time head coach in decades—taking the reins of a roster that was extensively overhauled this offseason, the pieces are finally in place for resurgent campaign in Chicago.
While 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams may have had a rocky start to his career, he will bounce back in Year 2 behind a revamped offensive line with new weapons like first-round tight end Colston Loveland at his disposal."
Is the Chicago Bears offense being overlooked?
The Bears have hardly ever gone into a year with high hopes for the offense. This year feels a bit different. The list of additions beyond the potential progression of the number one overall pick is quite notable.
Chicago will have a completely new interior offensive line, they added multiple new skill players, and the biggest addition of all is Ben Johnson as head coach. This is such an obvious choice that one could argue that no one is overlooking this factor. This is the only reason for Bears fans to be positive.
What may be overlooked is that the Bears' defense could be improved, especially in the secondary. Tyrique Stevenson and Jaquan Brisker are coming off down seasons. In the case of Brisker, it was injury-related, but neither of these players did not appeared to mesh well with the old coaching staff.
These two had promising rookie years, and neither has built on that. If they can take steps in the new defense, the rest of the unit is pretty talented. Kevin Byard III is older, but still retains name value, and if he becomes the weak spot, the unit may still be solid. Both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are in the top ten at their position right now.
Read more: Latest power rankings have Bears inching closer to the NFL's elite franchises
All of the talk surrounds the offense, but the Bears could be real contenders because both units take a step forward. That would make the defense, particularly the secondary, more overlooked entering the year.