USA Today predicts another NFC North title for the Bears in 2026

So much for regression in Year 2 under Ben Johnson.

"Regression is certainly possible given their reliance on a league-high 33 takeaways during last year’s magic carpet ride … plenty of that magic rubbing off on QB Caleb Williams’ right arm in the most high-leverage situations," Davis wrote. "The reigning division champs have also drawn the league’s most difficult schedule based on their opponents’ collective winning percentage in 2025 (.550). Yet overall progression in Year 2 under HC Ben Johnson is just as likely, assuming Williams and Co. continue to master an offense which spotlights a daunting run game and should get more from a diverse and talented group of pass catchers – perhaps enough to finally make Williams’ the 106-year-old franchise’s first 4,000-yard passer after he fell 58 yards short of the mark in 2025. Playing three of the first four games at Soldier Field should help."

If Davis' projection comes to fruition, the Bears would cement themselves as one of the NFC's premier contenders for a second straight season while reinforcing Ryan Poles' long-term roster vision and Ben Johnson's rapid transformation of the franchise.

Based on what Chicago has shown early in training camp, a 12-win season doesn't feel unrealistic. The offense has operated with noticeably better rhythm than it did at this stage a year ago. Caleb Williams has developed strong chemistry with ascending playmakers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, and the offensive line has continued to perform at a high level despite Garrett Bradbury stepping in for the retired Drew Dalman.

Of course, August optimism only goes so far. If the Bears are going to live up to lofty expectations and make a legitimate run at the Lombardi Trophy, staying healthy will be critical. That's especially true in the secondary, where injuries have already begun to test Chicago's depth before the regular season has even kicked off.