Chicago Bears 2025 Season Preview, Schedule, Roster Moves & Playoff Odds
Quick Answer
The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 season with a new head coach, a finalized 53-man roster, and the potential to build on a disastrous 5-12 campaign in 2024. Their 11-6 record from the 2025 season, which placed them 1st in the NFC North, signals a dramatic turnaround under Ben Johnson.
This preview is your no-nonsense guide to what matters, what doesn't, and where the Bears go from here. • Best for: Bears fans who want hard facts on the 2025 roster, schedule, and playoff odds without fluff or hype.• Key point: The Bears went from 4th in the NFC North in 2024 to 1st in 2025, a transformation that demands scrutiny of roster moves and coaching changes. • Bottom line: The 2025 Bears are a legitimate contender, but their success hinges on roster depth and injury management—buy the Chicago Bears Playoff Odds Prediction Book if you want to track their chances week by week.The 2025 Roster From Chaos to Cohesion
The 2024 Chicago Bears were a mess—firing head coach Matt Eberflus mid-season, finishing 5-12, and allowing 370 points against. That defense bled yards, and the offense, despite Caleb Williams' 3,942 passing yards, couldn't cover for a leaky line.
Fast forward to 2025, and the roster looks like a different animal. The final 53-man cut included names like Maurice Alexander (WR), Salvon Ahmed (RB), and Kyler Gordon (DB), signaling new depth at skill positions.The Bears added Brittain Brown at RB and Dallis Flowers at CB, shoring up weak spots from 2024. Key holdovers like D'Andre Swift (1,087 rushing yards in 2024) and Roschon Johnson give the backfield a one-two punch that was missing when Swift carried the load alone.But the real story is the defensive overhaul. In 2024, the Bears ranked near the bottom in points allowed.| Position | 2024 Starter | 2025 Key Addition | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB | Jaylon Johnson | Coby Bryant | Upgraded ball skills |
| LB | T.J. Edwards | Devin Bush | Faster pursuit |
| OL | Teven Jenkins | Garrett Bradbury | Better snap consistency |
| WR | D.J. Moore | Maurice Alexander | Deep threat |
The roster's cohesion is Ben Johnson's biggest win. He inherited a team that lost 10 straight games in 2024—a franchise record—and turned them into division champs.
Ben Johnson The Architect of the Turnaround
Ben Johnson took over a team that had just fired its head coach mid-season and finished last in the NFC North for the third consecutive year. The 2024 Bears under Matt Eberflus and interim Thomas Brown managed a 4-8 start before collapsing to 1-4 under Brown—a total of 5-12.
Johnson's 2025 Bears went 11-6 and won the division. That's a six-win swing in one season.How? The answer lies in offensive creativity and defensive discipline.Johnson, a former offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, brought a scheme that maximized Caleb Williams' strengths. In 2024, Williams threw for 3,942 yards but also faced relentless pressure.Johnson's system uses pre-snap motion and play-action to buy time, a stark contrast to Eberflus' conservative approach. The 2025 offense scored 441 points (25.9 per game), ranking 9th in the league—up from a bottom-ten unit in 2024.The running game, anchored by Swift and Johnson, averaged more than 4.5 yards per carry, thanks to Bradbury's interior blocking. Defensively, Johnson hired a coordinator who emphasized gap integrity.The 2024 Bears allowed 370 points, but the 2025 unit tightened up, especially in the red zone. The addition of Devin Bush and Coby Bryant gave the secondary more teeth, but the real improvement was in tackling—a weakness that plagued Eberflus' teams.The Coach's Gamble: Johnson's aggressive play-calling is a double-edged sword. In 2025, the Bears had a few games where they lost to inferior opponents due to risky fourth-down conversions.But that same aggression won them close games against division rivals. For fans tracking the season, a Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Schedule Magnet is a must—it keeps every game in perspective, from the easy wins to the trap games.| Metric | 2024 Bears | 2025 Bears | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points For | ~330 (est.) | 441 | +111 |
| Points Against | 370 | ~340 (est.) | -30 |
| Division Finish | 4th | 1st | +3 spots |
| Win-Loss | 5-12 | 11-6 | +6 wins |
Johnson's success isn't a fluke—it's a system that works. But the NFL is cruel; one injury or bad bounce can derail a season.
The 2025 Bears proved they can win, but can they sustain it? That's the question for 2026.Playoff Odds and the Road Ahead
The Bears finished 11-6 in 2025 and 1st in the NFC North, but playoff odds are never a guarantee. History shows that division winners often regress, especially when their roster relies on bounce-back players and a first-year head coach.
The 2025 Bears' success was built on key roster moves that paid off—like adding Garrett Bradbury and Devin Bush—but the margin for error is thin. The Schedule Factor: In 2024, the Bears stumbled out of the gate with a 4-2 start before a 10-game losing streak.That collapse was partly due to a brutal schedule stretch against playoff teams. For 2025, the schedule was kinder, but the 2026 slate could be tougher.The Bears face first-place schedules from other divisions, which means tougher matchups against teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles—teams that dismantled them in 2024. Key Players to Watch: Caleb Williams is the obvious focal point.His 3,942 passing yards in 2024 showed promise, but his 20 interceptions were a liability. In 2025, he cut down on turnovers, but can he maintain that under pressure?The offensive line, now anchored by Bradbury, needs to stay healthy. If injuries strike—like Gordon's hamstring issue—the Bears' depth will be tested.| Week | Opponent | Difficulty | Key Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs. Packers | High | Williams vs. secondary |
| 5 | at 49ers | High | Offensive line vs. pass rush |
| 10 | vs. Eagles | High | Run defense vs. Barkley |
| 15 | at Lions | Medium | Division rivalry |
The Odds: The Bears' playoff odds for 2026 depend on three factors: 1) Caleb Williams' development, 2) defensive health, and 3) schedule toughness. If all three align, they're a top-5 NFC team.
If not, they could slide to 9-8 and miss the playoffs. The Chicago Bears Playoff Odds Prediction Book breaks down these variables week by week, giving fans a data-driven look at their chances.For now, the Bears are contenders—but they're not favorites.Injury Report The Achilles' Heel
Injuries destroyed the 2024 Bears' season. The team lost key players in the secondary and offensive line, leading to a 10-game losing streak.
In 2025, the injury report is just as critical. Kyler Gordon's hamstring injury from the final 2025 season report is a major concern.Soft tissue injuries are notorious for recurring, and if Gordon misses time, the Bears lose a versatile corner who can play nickel and outside. Grady Jarrett's knee issue—listed as questionable—adds to the worry.Jarrett is the anchor of the defensive line; without him, the run defense weakens. Depth Chart Woes: The Bears have depth at running back (Swift, Johnson, Ahmed) and wide receiver (Alexander, Stephen Carlson), but the defensive line is thin.Beyond Jarrett, the Bears rely on Jonathan Garvin and a rotation of unproven players. If Jarrett misses games, opponents will exploit the middle of the field.The Offensive Line: Bradbury's addition helps, but he's 30 years old and has an injury history. If he goes down, the Bears are back to the same instability that plagued them in 2024.The left tackle position is also a question mark—Kiran Amegadjie is talented but raw.| Player | Injury | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Gordon | Hamstring | Out | Secondary depth |
| Grady Jarrett | Knee | Questionable | Run defense |
| Terell Smith | Missed 2025 season | N/A | Depth loss |
The Verdict: The Bears are one injury away from disaster. In 2024, they had no answer when key players went down.
In 2025, they've added depth, but it's unproven. Fans should monitor the injury report weekly—a single bad week could derail the season.What Fans Should Do Next
The 2025 Bears are a story of redemption, but 2026 is a new chapter. Here's your action plan:
- Buy the Schedule Magnet: A Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Schedule Magnet keeps every game's stakes front and center. Mark the tough weeks (Packers, 49ers, Eagles) and the easy ones (if any). Use it to plan your watch parties and avoid surprise losses.
- Track the Odds: The Chicago Bears Playoff Odds Prediction Book is essential for fans who want to bet on their team's success—or just want to know when to hope and when to brace for disappointment. The data from 2025 shows that the Bears' odds shift dramatically with each win or loss.
- Rep the New Era: The Chicago Bears Fan T-Shirt is more than apparel—it's a statement. This team is no longer a laughingstock. Wear it to games, bars, or just around town to remind everyone that the Bears are back.
- Watch the Injuries: Kyler Gordon's hamstring and Grady Jarrett's knee are the two variables that could swing the season. If both play 17 games, the Bears have a shot at 12 wins. If not, expect turbulence.
Final Thought: The Bears proved they can win in 2025, but the NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. Ben Johnson's system works, but it needs execution.
As a fan, your job is to stay informed, stay loud, and stay prepared. The 2026 season starts now.Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Bears' record in 2025?
The Chicago Bears finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record, placing them 1st in the NFC North division. This was a significant improvement from their 5-12 record in 2024.
Who is the Bears' head coach for 2025?
Ben Johnson is the head coach of the Chicago Bears for the 2025 season. He replaced Matt Eberflus, who was fired mid-season in 2024 after a 4-8 start.
What key roster moves did the Bears make for 2025?
The Bears finalized a 53-man roster that included additions like running back Salvon Ahmed, wide receiver Maurice Alexander, cornerback Dallis Flowers, linebacker Devin Bush, and center Garrett Bradbury. They also retained key players like D'Andre Swift and Kyler Gordon.
Are the Bears playoff contenders in 2026?
While the Bears won the NFC North in 2025, their playoff odds for 2026 depend on factors like Caleb Williams' consistency, defensive health (especially Kyler Gordon's hamstring and Grady Jarrett's knee), and schedule difficulty. They are contenders, but not favorites, in the NFC.
Where can I find the official Bears roster for 2025?
The official roster is available on the Chicago Bears' website (chicagobears.com), with additional details from sources like Pro-Football-Reference.com and Yahoo Sports. The roster includes 53 players as of the final cut deadline in August 2025.
Fact-check References
This article draws on publicly available reporting and official data. The links below are factual references only — not the source of wording or editorial opinion.
- https://allchgo.com/2025-chicago-bears-53-man-roster-cuts-tracker — checked 2026-06-01
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Chicago_Bears_season — checked 2026-06-01
- https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2025_roster.htm — checked 2026-06-01
- https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/chicago/roster — checked 2026-06-01
- https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/team/chicago-bears-4/2024 — checked 2026-06-01
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