Bears Nation Fired Up: Chicago Given Fresh Boost of Hope for 2026 Season…Read more

The Chicago Bears, led by first-year head coach Ben Johnson, emerged as one of the NFL’s biggest surprise teams during the 2025 season. Initially viewed as a fringe playoff contender, Chicago exceeded expectations by capturing the NFC North title and securing the No. 2 seed in the conference playoffs. That breakout year has significantly raised the bar heading into 2026.

Now, the Bears are being talked about as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. With success comes pressure, and Johnson’s squad will be expected to prove that last season was just the beginning.

Adding to the excitement, Bleacher Report recently ranked Chicago No. 7 in its early NFL power rankings for next season, reinforcing the belief that the team is built to compete at the highest level. The combination of Johnson’s leadership and the continued growth of young franchise quarterback Caleb Williams gives the Bears tremendous upside.

General manager Ryan Poles has constructed a strong foundation filled with emerging young stars and respected veterans. If he delivers another productive offseason and strengthens key areas of the roster, Chicago could take another leap forward.

While some fans may still be cautious, the Bears appear to be the real deal. With their young core developing and expectations rising, the hype around Chicago is only going to grow as the 2026 season approaches.