The Chicago Bears have long been one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a rich history marked by moments of glory and disappointment. Over the years, they have seen their share of ups and downs, but one thing that has remained consistent is the city’s passion for its football team. The 2025 NFL season, however, brings with it an unexpected shift in expectations for the Bears, as ESPN’s projected win totals for the upcoming season have the team ranked surprisingly high among all 32 NFL teams. This ranking has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, raising questions about how Chicago has managed to rise so rapidly from the depths of mediocrity to the upper echelon of NFL projections.
This article will explore the factors that have contributed to the Bears’ surprisingly high ranking in ESPN’s projected win totals for the 2025 NFL season. We will take a look at the team’s offseason moves, the growth of key players, their coaching situation, and how all these elements combine to set the stage for what could be a breakthrough season for the Bears. While no team’s success in the NFL is guaranteed, the 2025 season could be one where the Bears defy expectations and prove their place among the league’s best.
The Chicago Bears’ Recent Struggles and Rebuilding Phase
To understand the significance of the Bears’ high ranking, we must first examine their recent history. The Bears have been in a rebuilding phase for several years. After a promising 2018 season, in which the team made the playoffs and was one of the top defensive units in the league, the Bears have struggled to find consistency. The team’s inability to develop a stable quarterback situation, combined with a lack of offensive firepower, has led to a series of underwhelming seasons.
The Bears finished the 2021 season with a 6-11 record, and the following year, they didn’t improve much, posting a 3-14 record. This period of mediocrity led to significant changes within the organization, including the firing of long-time head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace. In came new leadership under head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles. The goal was clear: rebuild the Bears into a championship contender by focusing on young talent and making strategic moves in free agency and the draft.
The Rise of Justin Fields: The Quarterback of the Future
A central part of the Bears’ surprising rise in ESPN’s projected win totals is the growth of quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears’ struggles in recent years can largely be attributed to inconsistent quarterback play. For a franchise that has struggled to find long-term solutions under center, Fields represents the hope of a bright future.
Fields, a dual-threat quarterback with tremendous athleticism, was drafted by the Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While his rookie season was a rollercoaster, he showed flashes of the potential that made him a highly coveted prospect. In 2022, Fields took a significant step forward, showcasing his ability to both pass and run effectively. He finished the season with over 1,100 rushing yards, setting an NFL record for a quarterback, and was responsible for 27 total touchdowns. However, Fields still struggled with consistency as a passer, leading to concerns about his development as a complete quarterback.
What makes Fields so enticing is his potential to evolve into a top-tier quarterback as he develops more chemistry with his coaches and teammates. In the 2025 season, it is expected that Fields will take another leap forward, particularly in terms of his decision-making and passing accuracy. The Bears’ coaching staff has emphasized developing Fields into a more complete passer, and they’ve put systems in place to support his growth.
The Offseason Moves: Bolstering the Roster
One of the biggest reasons for the Bears’ high ranking in ESPN’s projected win totals is the significant changes they made to their roster during the offseason. After a string of underwhelming seasons, the Bears made bold moves to bring in key players that could make an immediate impact.
Trade for D.J. Moore: A Game-Changing Wide Receiver
Perhaps the most significant acquisition of the offseason for the Bears was the trade for wide receiver D.J. Moore. Moore, who was acquired from the Carolina Panthers as part of the trade package for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, immediately becomes Fields’ top target. Moore is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to stretch the field and make plays both deep and short. Over the past few seasons with the Panthers, Moore has consistently been one of the league’s most productive wide receivers, even while playing with less-than-ideal quarterback situations.
For Fields, the addition of Moore is huge. The Bears’ offense has long been criticized for its lack of top-tier weapons, but Moore changes that dynamic. With Moore in the fold, Fields now has a reliable and explosive option to target, which should help his development and open up the offense. Additionally, Moore’s presence should take pressure off other players in the receiving corps, allowing other wideouts to get better matchups.
Improving the Offensive Line
Another critical area where the Bears made strides during the offseason was in improving their offensive line. Fields faced significant pressure throughout the early part of his career, often scrambling for his life behind an inconsistent line. To address this, the Bears spent considerable resources in both free agency and the draft to bolster their offensive line.
The addition of offensive tackle Darnell Wright in the 2023 NFL Draft was a key move to shore up the line. Wright, a physical and powerful tackle out of Tennessee, is expected to step in as a day-one starter and provide stability to the offensive front. With a stronger offensive line, Fields will have more time to make reads and deliver the ball with confidence, while also providing better protection for the running game, which is a crucial element of the Bears’ offense.
Defensive Upgrades
The Bears’ defense has always been a strength, and under defensive coordinator Alan Williams, they have continued to focus on bolstering their defense. However, the team made significant moves to upgrade the defensive personnel as well. The most notable addition was the signing of veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards, who played an integral role in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in 2022. Edwards’ leadership and skill will help solidify the Bears’ linebacking corps, which is a pivotal part of their defensive scheme.
In addition, the Bears also focused on improving their secondary, adding talent in the defensive backfield that should help them compete with high-powered offenses in the NFC North. The Bears’ defense, while not as dominant as in years past, should still be a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
Matt Eberflus: A Coaching Change that Could Pay Dividends
Another factor contributing to the Bears’ rise in projected win totals is the coaching situation. Head coach Matt Eberflus, hired in 2022, has shown that he is capable of building a disciplined, hard-nosed team. Eberflus came from a defensive background, having been the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, and his focus on developing a well-rounded team with strong defensive principles has been evident from day one.
In his first season, Eberflus’ Bears defense showed flashes of the toughness and aggression he is known for, but the offense struggled. In 2025, with improved talent on both sides of the ball, Eberflus should be able to fully implement his vision for the team. With more weapons for Fields to utilize, Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will be able to develop a more dynamic and potent offensive scheme that complements the team’s defensive strengths.
Eberflus’ calm demeanor, focus on fundamentals, and ability to get the most out of his players could lead to significant improvements in his second full season as head coach. The coaching staff’s ability to mold players and adjust to in-game situations will be crucial as the Bears look to take the next step in their development.
A New Era for the Bears: Why the 2025 Season is Different
The 2025 NFL season could be the start of a new era for the Chicago Bears, one in which they become legitimate contenders in the NFC. The combination of Justin Fields’ growth as a quarterback, the team’s upgraded roster, and the leadership of head coach Matt Eberflus puts the Bears in a prime position to surprise the league.
Although the team still has some areas that need improvement, such as consistency in the passing game and continued development in their defensive backfield, the Bears are heading into the season with optimism and the belief that they can compete at a high level. ESPN’s projected win totals reflect that optimism, with many analysts seeing the Bears as a team that could reach double-digit wins and possibly contend for a playoff spot.
If everything clicks—if Fields takes the next step, the defense remains solid, and the new pieces on offense gel—the Bears could prove that their surprising ranking in ESPN’s projected win totals is not just a fluke. The 2025 season could be a breakthrough year for the Bears, one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in their storied franchise history.