One NFL executive believes the Bears can do more than just defend their division crown. In a recent round of NFC rankings conducted by The Athletic, six anonymous executives evaluated all 16 teams in the conference. The Bears finished fifth in the consensus, trailing the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. Yet, one executive placed Chicago at No. 1 on their personal list, signaling a strong belief in the organization’s direction and potential.
That standout valuation reflects a substantial vote of confidence in a team whose 2025 breakthrough came with its share of skepticism. Chicago went 11-6, captured the NFC North, and earned its first playoff victory in 15 years. The season also included an impressive knack for finishing close games, with the Bears winning seven contests that were decided in the final two minutes. While regression is a natural concern for teams that win a high volume of close games, the executive who ranked Chicago No. 1 still saw enough evidence to believe the Bears can navigate possible headwinds.
A key factor driving optimism is the leadership and the young quarterback at the helm. The Bears are guided by a head coach who has altered the franchise’s trajectory, and they have an ascending quarterback who has shown rapid improvement. The supporting cast around the quarterback is deep and talented, with playmakers across multiple positions contributing to the offense.
Offensively, Chicago posted solid numbers in 2025, finishing sixth in total offense and ninth in scoring. The improved efficiency and productivity were driven in large part by the quarterback’s development and a clearer, more effective offense. Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, is entering his third NFL season with a strong array of weapons. The supporting cast includes wide receivers and tight ends who have shown growth, such as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, D’Andre Swift, and Kyle Monangai. The improving accuracy, decision-making, and leadership from Williams have become central reasons for the team’s rising expectations.
Williams has also earned recognition in quarterback evaluations for his year-over-year advancement. In annual quarterback tier rankings, he landed in Tier 2 and tied for 11th overall, reflecting a notable jump that has earned him more respect across the league. Such recognition reinforces confidence that Williams can continue to elevate the offense as he gains more experience and chemistry with his weapons.
Offseason moves were another piece of the optimism puzzle. Those within the Bears’ circle feel the team addressed potential regression by adding or retaining pieces that fit their long-term plan. The philosophy appears to prioritize stability, growth, and a balanced roster, rather than drastic, high-risk changes.
However, not all observers are ready to anoint Chicago as a Super Bowl contender. Among the six executives surveyed, only two labeled the Bears as legitimate Super Bowl favorites. The majority viewed Chicago as a strong division contender, with votes ranging from first to seventh place. The average ranking landed around fifth, with a median near 5.5, underscoring that the Bears are respected but not universally hailed as the team to beat in the conference.
There are legitimate concerns surrounding Chicago’s roster and depth. The team is still sorting its left tackle position, with Braxton Jones viewed as Week 1’s likely starter but no official announcement in place. Other areas of need include a young, developing secondary, as well as rookies stepping into bigger roles due to injuries and roster turnover. Specifically, a rookie safety is expected to assume a significant responsibility after an injury to a veteran player, and the nickel cornerback position presents a short-term challenge due to a key player’s early-season absence. These defensive questions are real and could impact the team’s ability to sustain success against high-powered offenses.
Despite those concerns, the Bears’ scenario remains compelling. The combination of a rising quarterback, a talented and growing supporting cast, and a coaching staff capable of sustaining progress has attracted attention from around the league. For some decision-makers, this is enough to place Chicago above several established NFC contenders, reflecting a belief that the organization is building something sustainable rather than chasing a one-season surge.
The path ahead, of course, will require proving the ability to win in January — to translate regular-season success into playoff wins and deep postseason runs. A playoff leap would help solidify the belief that Chicago is not just a division favorite, but a legitimate threat to contend for conference supremacy and, ultimately, a championship.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the quarterback and the offense continue to develop, how well the defense responds to injuries and adjustments, and how the coaching staff maximizes the roster’s strengths while mitigating weaknesses. If Williams can maintain his upward trajectory and the supporting cast stays healthy and productive, the Bears could validate the high expectations that have begun to surround the franchise. The story in 2026 will be about sustained improvement, resilience in close games, and the ability to translate potential into consistent, high-level performance across a demanding schedule.
Bottom line: Chicago enters 2026 with a credible, well-supported case for significant continued growth. The combination of an improving quarterback, a versatile group of playmakers, and a capable head coach provides a foundation for a season that could exceed initial projections. Whether that translates into a conference-wide ascent or a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but the framework is in place for a compelling and competitive year.
