The Chicago Bears enjoyed their best season in over a decade in 2025.
Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, Chicago posted an 11-6 record and won the NFC North for the first time in seven years. The Bears would then go on to win their first playoff game since 2011 with a come-from-behind victory over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.
Though Chicago's 2025 campaign ended with a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round, the future is bright for the Bears, and the team should return as one of the top squads in the NFC.
The latest NFL power rankings also signal that Chicago could be among the league's elite teams this year in Johnson's second season as head coach.
Bears among NFL elite in latest power rankings
In power rankings from FOX Sports, NFL Spin Zone, and Pro Football Network, the Bears ranked in the top ten on each list and even earned a top-five ranking.
Here is where Chicago came in on each power ranking, along with the reasoning behind the positioning:
Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports: 9
Vacchiano: "They drew the NFL’s toughest schedule, though it’s a touch easier if you base it on expected wins in 2026 instead of the 2025 record. They also have seven prime-time or stand-alone games, so the whole world will be watching."
Sayre Bedinger, NFL Spin Zone: 6
Bedinger: "What we saw from the Chicago Bears last season was -- hopefully -- a sign of things to come. Of course, fans of the Lions, Packers, and Vikings don't hope that's the case, but the Bears finally found a winning combination at head coach and quarterback with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. The strides Williams took this past season were incredible to see. He cut down on sacks and turnovers, and looked like the prospect everyone was gushing over during his time at Oklahoma and his first year at USC. The Bears have a lot of moving parts on the defense, and I wouldn't say they made overwhelming (and necessary) upgrades to their pass rush, but the pieces are in place to contend in 2026."
Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network: 5
Rolfe: "The NFC North is a bit of a juggernaut. We expect the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to be strong once again, while the Minnesota Vikings are somewhat of an unknown. This division could easily produce three playoff teams, but it can also prove grueling as the season wears on, leaving little room for error. The Bears need more consistency from Caleb Williams this season, and if they get that, a Super Bowl appearance is possible. The Bears have a tough stretch around Christmas, with the Bills the week before, the Packers on Christmas Day, and the Lions in Week 17. However, the rest of their schedule does not look too bad in terms of tough stretches of games."
Chicago didn't make many sweeping changes on offense this offseason, but the unit should still be incredibly dynamic in 2026, especially if quarterback Caleb Williams takes another step forward in his development.
The rushing attack, led by D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, should be incredibly effective and efficient once again. Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet formed a nice and versatile tight end duo last season, and should do more of the same in 2026.
The offensive line will return most of its starters, outside of Garrett Bradbury, who's now at center with Drew Dalman retiring.
However, there are some major questions on offense, primarily at wide receiver and left tackle. The Bears are banking on Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III breaking out this year, while the left tackle situation is uncertain with Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo likely competing for the starting spot.
On defense, Chicago could use more juice to the pass rush, but the secondary should be stout with Jaylon Johnson back healthy, and the additions of Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman at safety.
Overall, the Bears are in a fantastic position to repeat as NFC North champions and make noise in the playoffs. However, if the team can figure out their left tackle and edge-rusher positions and get impact seasons from Odunze and Burden at receiver, Chicago could be in Super Bowl discussions in January.