Introduction to the Bears’ Season
The Bears’ 7-3 start under rookie head coach Ben Johnson has drawn comparisons to previous successful seasons in the post-Mike Ditka era. The team’s exciting finishes in victories against the Raiders, Commanders, Bengals, Giants, and Vikings have been reminiscent of the miraculous 2001 season. The feel-good energy and rejuvenation under Johnson, along with an opportunistic defense leading the NFL in takeaways, are similar to Matt Nagy’s rookie season of 2018. The momentum shift after an 0-2 start and the sense that the Bears are building a foundation for future success is also comparable to the 2005 season under Lovie Smith.
The Remaining Schedule
However, the Bears’ remaining schedule features six teams with a combined 39-20-2 record, including the Steelers, Eagles, Packers, 49ers, and Lions. The only losing team they will face is the Browns, who have the best defense the Bears will face this season. This difficult schedule raises concerns about the team’s ability to maintain their current winning record. The Bears’ strength of victory is last among the 17 NFL teams with five or more wins, and their "best" victory is against the 4-5-1 Cowboys, who have the worst strength of victory in the league.
Historical Trends
The 2025 season is eerily similar to the 2012 season, where the Bears started 7-1 against an easy schedule but lost five of their next six games against playoff-bound teams and missed the playoffs at 10-6. However, the 2025 team’s arrow is pointing up, with a promising quarterback in Caleb Williams and a head coach with credentials in building a sustainable NFL offense. The team has room for growth that can meet any challenge, and their culture change under Johnson is real.
Key Players and Trends
DJ Moore’s numbers have fallen since Rome Odunze surpassed him as the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver. Moore averaged 67.9 receiving yards in his first 36 games with the Bears but is now averaging 38.4 receiving yards in the last eight games. Cole Kmet has also seen his production diminish as the Bears improve their roster, with his lowest receiving yards per game since his rookie season in 2020. Rookie Colston Loveland seems to have a force field around him, with defenders missing tackles to spring him for big gains.
Record Conflict
Two historical trends will collide if Aaron Rodgers starts at quarterback for the Steelers. The Steelers are 1-13 against the Bears in Chicago, but Rodgers is 25-4 against the Bears in games he has started and finished, including victories in the last eight in a row and 12 of the last 13. Rodgers suffered a broken left wrist Sunday against the Bengals, but it’s likely to take more than that to keep him out of this game.
Conclusion
The Bears’ remaining schedule makes things difficult, with a combined 39-20-2 record among their next six opponents. While the team has shown promise under Johnson and has a chance to make a deep playoff run, there are concerns about their ability to maintain their current winning record. The team’s strength of victory is last among the 17 NFL teams with five or more wins, and their "best" victory is against the 4-5-1 Cowboys. However, with a promising quarterback and a head coach with credentials in building a sustainable NFL offense, the Bears have room for growth that can meet any challenge.
FAQs
- What is the Bears’ current record?
The Bears are currently 7-3. - Who are the Bears’ next six opponents?
The Bears’ next six opponents are the Steelers, Eagles, Packers, 49ers, Browns, and Lions. - What is the combined record of the Bears’ next six opponents?
The combined record of the Bears’ next six opponents is 39-20-2. - Who is the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver?
Rome Odunze is currently the Bears’ No. 1 wide receiver. - What is DJ Moore’s current receiving yards average?
DJ Moore is currently averaging 38.4 receiving yards in the last eight games. - Who is the Steelers’ quarterback?
Aaron Rodgers is the Steelers’ quarterback, but he suffered a broken left wrist Sunday against the Bengals. - What is the Bears’ strength of victory?
The Bears’ strength of victory is last among the 17 NFL teams with five or more wins. - What is the Bears’ "best" victory?
The Bears’ "best" victory is against the 4-5-1 Cowboys, who have the worst strength of victory in the league.
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