Why One NFL Analyst Thinks the Bears Could Win It All in 2026
The buzz around the Chicago Bears heading into the 2026 NFL season is real - and for good reason. After a wild ride to the NFC Divisional Round last year, expectations have shifted.
This isn’t just about being competitive anymore. In Chicago, there's a growing sense that this team is on the verge of something bigger.
While most preseason Super Bowl predictions haven’t exactly featured the Bears front and center, one NFL analyst is going all in. ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes not only will the Bears make it to Super Bowl LXI - he’s picking them to win it, taking down Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the process.
His reasoning? It starts with the foundation that’s already in place. Head coach Ben Johnson has brought a new energy to Halas Hall, and the offense - led by rookie phenom Caleb Williams - is already showing signs of being something special.
The Caleb Williams Effect
Williams didn’t just flash potential in his debut season - he delivered. Surrounded by a talented group of young playmakers, he helped lead an offense that finished in the top 10 in total yards per game. His ability to extend plays, make throws off-platform, and keep defenses honest with his legs has given Chicago a dynamic edge it hasn’t had under center in years.
But it’s not just about Williams. The Bears’ offensive line deserves serious credit.
In 2024, they were a liability, giving up a staggering 68 sacks. Fast forward to 2025, and that number dropped to just 24 - a transformation that speaks volumes about the coaching staff and front office.
Protecting the quarterback has been a priority, and it’s paying off in a big way.
A Defense That Needs More Than Turnovers
If there’s one area that could keep Chicago from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, it’s the defense. Yes, they led the league with 33 turnovers last season - a stat that’s impressive on its own.
But turnovers are notoriously inconsistent year to year. The Bears can’t rely on takeaways alone to carry them.
The bigger concern? Red zone defense.
Chicago ranked near the bottom of the league in total defense, and while they’ve shown a knack for creating chaos, they’ve struggled to get off the field when it matters most. If this team wants to take the next step, they’ll need to tighten up inside the 20 and find ways to generate pressure consistently - especially with pass rush still an area of need.
Changing the Culture
Ben Johnson deserves a ton of credit for what’s happening in Chicago. In just one season, he’s helped reshape the identity of this franchise.
The Bears didn’t just win games in 2025 - they learned how to win. Seven of their victories came via comebacks or game-winning drives, setting an NFL record.
That kind of resilience doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s clear this team believes in its coach, its quarterback, and the direction it’s headed. And now, the national media is starting to catch on.
Is it bold to predict a Super Bowl win for a team that still has holes to fill? Absolutely. But after what we saw last season - the offensive growth, the cultural shift, and the emergence of a potential superstar quarterback - it’s not nearly as far-fetched as it might have seemed a year ago.
In Chicago, hope isn’t just alive - it’s starting to feel justified.