The Chicago Bears’ 2025 campaign came to a crushing end in the NFC Divisional Round, falling 20-17 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams. It was a game that had all the makings of a postseason classic-grit, drama, and a late-game rally-but ultimately ended in heartbreak for a team that had shown so much promise.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the Bears on a gutsy drive in the final minute of regulation, capping it with a game-tying touchdown strike to Cole Kmet with just 20 seconds left on the clock. It was the kind of moment that felt like the start of something special.
But in overtime, the momentum flipped just as quickly as it had swung in the Bears’ favor. Williams threw a costly interception, and just like that, the season was over.
After the game, Kmet didn’t sugarcoat the reality of what comes next. The veteran tight end, who’s become one of the emotional leaders of this team, made it clear that the work starts all over again-and it only gets harder from here.
“When we take our time off here and reset, and the team of what it’s going to be settles in, it starts all over again. It’s 0-0, and it’s going to be twice as hard to get to this point,” Kmet said. “You can’t take for granted the opportunities you get in this league.”
And he’s right. The NFL doesn’t hand out second chances.
The Bears earned their shot this year, but next season’s path won’t be any easier-especially in a division as competitive as the NFC North. Chicago may have won the division, but they went just 2-4 against divisional opponents.
That’s the kind of stat that sticks in the minds of players and coaches during the long offseason.
The silver lining? The offense is largely intact heading into 2026.
Caleb Williams showed flashes of why he was the No. 1 overall pick, and the chemistry with Kmet is already real. The offensive core-assuming it stays together-gives Chicago a strong foundation.
But there’s one big question looming: what happens with DJ Moore? The star wideout’s future in Chicago remains uncertain, and any potential trade could shift the offensive dynamic in a major way.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears are staring down some tough decisions. The defense, which held strong throughout much of the season, could look very different next year.
Veterans like Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and Nahshon Wright are all set to hit free agency. Retaining all three might be a stretch, so the front office will need to prioritize-and fast.
The NFC North isn’t getting any easier. Every team in the division finished with a winning record this season, and there’s no sign of that trend slowing down. If the Bears want to stay in the hunt, they’ll need to stay aggressive-not just in free agency, but in how they approach the entire offseason.
This loss stings, no doubt about it. But it also sets the tone for what comes next.
The Bears made real progress in 2025, but as Kmet reminded everyone, nothing is guaranteed. The climb back to this point starts now, and it’s going to take even more grit, more growth, and a whole lot of urgency.
If Chicago wants to turn playoff heartbreak into a Super Bowl run, it starts with locking in this offseason-especially on the defensive side of the ball. The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together and making the next step count.