Betting on the Chicago Bears in 2026: NFC North repeat in play if Williams takes next step

Despite optimism around second-year QB Caleb Williams and first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears entered 2025 as the biggest long shots to win the NFC North (+475).

The Bears got off to a nightmare start, blowing a double-digit fourth-quarter lead at home to the Vikings in Week 1, followed by a 52-21 loss in Detroit. That 0-2 start dropped the Bears to 40-1 odds to win the division. Then Chicago caught fire, winning 11 of its next 13 games to take the NFC North and exceed their win total (8.5) for the first time since 2018. In the playoffs, they overcame a 21-3 deficit to upset the Packers and nearly pulled off an even bigger upset against the Rams in the divisional round. Despite that success, the Bears still enter 2026 behind the Lions (+180) and Packers (+215) in the divisional hierarchy in the betting market. -- Mackenzie Kraemer

2026 outlook: Repeat possible if Williams takes next step

The Bears still have some question marks at left tackle, and the lack of cornerback depth could pose a problem this season. But they do have the coach and the quarterback. I see Ben Johnson as one of the top three playcallers in the league, and Williams can take another step in his game this season, meshing his elite playmaking ability with more consistency as a rhythm pocket thrower. The Bears should be a heavy two tight-end offense this season, with Colston Loveland emerging as the top target opposite receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Defensively, the Bears added safeties Coby Bryant and rookieDillon Thieneman, two interchangeable players in Dennis Allen's system. There's speed at linebacker too, but a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat must emerge for this team to make a real run. -- Matt Bowen

Best bet: NFC North winner (+305)

The Bears won the NFC North in 2025, and we know they pulled out some wild games late. That's football, though. And I do think Williams takes that next step this season in an offense that will use the run game as a foundational piece. Even in a brutally physical division, the Bears have the pieces (and the coaching) to go on the road and get wins in Green Bay, Detroit and Minnesota. Let's make this bet. Bears repeat. -- Bowen