Getty
The Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams are already looking strong for the 2026-27 season, and it involves getting respect.
The Chicago Bears had a thrilling 2025-26 season, finishing their run as the top team in the NFC North and an 11-6 record, but they fell short of making it to Super Bowl. Still for first-year head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, it was an impressive showing.
Now, things are already looking up for the Chicago Bears going into the 2026-27 season, and it involves one word: respect. Yes, the Bears are already getting respect in the NFL world as the offseason starts, and that’s a major difference from where the team was at this time last offseason.
Chicago Bears Expected to Be One of the Strongest Teams in the NFL in 2026
It’s too early to do power rankings for the 2026-27 season, but why not break the rules and do them? NFL analysts NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report is already on it, and he published power rankings in a Tuesday, February 10 feature for the publication.
In the feature, Sobleski has the Bears ranked No. 7 in the NFL, which is a great spot. Sure, the argument could be made to make them higher, but it’s still a more than respectable spot.
Plus, Sobleski gave both Johnson and Williams props, saying that Johnson “proved to be the right hire as Chicago Bears head coach” and that the coach’s “presence helped Caleb Williams begin the trek toward realizing his potential as an elite quarterback.”
“Everything else from the 2025 season was gravy for the team,” Sobleski added. “Williams’ talent was on full display, particularly late in games. Considering the franchise has essentially been searching for a legitimate franchise quarterback since Sid Luckman retired in 1950—a stretch that is no exaggeration—Williams’ development became the driving force behind everything the organization did this past season and is already starting to be rewarded.”
Sobleski also said that William’s “creativity and playmaking ability shone brightly,” adding that Chicago is “now a real contender after winning the NFC North, and they have the potential to get even better.”
So, he had the most glowing things to say about both Johnson and Williams, but especially Williams. That’s comforting to see after the No. 1 draft pick’s lukewarm rookie season with the Bears in 2024.
Chicago Bears Have Wind on Their Backs Going Into 2026-27 Season
The Bears’ road to the big game fell short with their loss in the divisional round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. But, he’s positive about the future.
“Our guys fought the entire way, just like they have all season long,” Johnson said after the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. “I thought this was very much like our team has been, and you’ve got to give the Rams credit. They ended up making a couple more plays than we did.”
Elsewhere, talking after the game, Johnson said, “They all believed, man. They all believed all year long that we could find a way to win each and every week. So it’s disappointing like that. But, I am proud of the group.”
Now, the Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026-27 season with wind on their back, which is appropriate for the Windy City.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
More Heavy on Bears
Loading more stories