The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 NFL season with a completely different energy than the team that stumbled to a 5-12 record last year.
The franchise responded to that disappointing finish by making significant moves, headlined by hiring Ben Johnson as head coach.
Chicago upgraded its offensive line, assembled a revamped receiving corps, and watched its defense quietly gain momentum throughout the offseason.
FOX Sports host Nick Wright has emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of the turnaround and recently surprised many with his latest prediction for the Bears.
“I don’t know if the NFC North is quite as hard this next year as people think it will be. … I think they can win the division,” Wright said on “First Things First.”
.@getnickwright says the Bears are the true No. 1 worst-to-first candidate:
“The NFC North is not as hard this year. I think they can win the division.” pic.twitter.com/ngZw6b1ZL3
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) July 18, 2025
The Bears made their intentions clear by bolstering their offensive line with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson.
These major additions give Chicago one of the strongest offenses in the NFC.
Quarterback Caleb Williams enters his second season with protection, wide receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland.
With Johnson guiding him after helping Jared Goff flourish as offensive coordinator for the rival Detroit Lions, Williams is positioned for a significant leap forward.
The path remains challenging in one of the league’s most competitive divisions.
Detroit comes off a 15-2 campaign with dynamic talent in Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, despite losing two coordinators.
The Minnesota Vikings are counting on untested quarterback J.J. McCarthy but they have Justin Jefferson and a tough defense under coordinator Brian Flores.
The Green Bay Packers maintain a strong backfield with Josh Jacobs and have several receiving options for QB Jordan Love.
Chicago’s schedule offers little room for error, but if Williams improves as expected and the defense holds steady, a playoff berth could be within reach.
NEXT: Tyrique Stevenson Makes A Big Statement About Bears’ Defense
