The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Chicago Bears took flight in 2025 under new Head Coach Ben Johnson. In his second year, Caleb Williams settled into the role of franchise quarterback as the team won 11 games and won the NFC North. The Bears put on a show in the playoffs, too, falling just short to the Los Angeles Rams. In 2026, the question is whether they can repeat that success. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Bears clarified their receiver group by sending D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Moore was the team’s top receiver since being traded from the Panthers but will now work with Josh Allen. The Bears also saw linebacker Tremaine Edmunds leave for the Giants. The Bears also had quite the turnover in the secondary, with safeties Jaquan Brisker, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and Jonathan Owens all moving on in free agency, along with cornerback Nahshon Wright.

After taking big swings on offense in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears spent a First-Round selection on safety Dillon Thieneman to help bolster the secondary. The team also added former Seahawk corner Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush, and safety Xavier Woods. All of it is meant to solidify the defense in what figures to, again, be a tough division.

Fantasy Impact

Williams thrived with Johnson in town. Despite not yet hitting 60 percent for a completion percentage, Williams finished as QB6. I think he’ll take another step forward in 2026 and should remain a low-end QB1. In the backfield it’s the veteran D’Andre Swift, who was RB15 last season, and Kyle Monangai. The Seventh-Round pick was RB30 a year ago, but I like him better in 2026. I think both have low-end RB2 value, but Monangai is the guy I want in dynasty.

In the passing game, the focus is on receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Odunze started fast and struggled with injury later in the season. Burden started slow as a rookie but picked up late in the season. He’s banged up right now, but I still like Burden as a WR3 and Odunze as a WR2 this season. Colston Loveland finished as TE12 as a rookie. I think he will be a force again in 2026. He’s a TE1 for me.

Prediction

The NFC North saw all four teams finish above .500. The spread wasn’t big between any of them. I think the Bears’ offense will be solid and the defense has potential. I expect them to compete atop the NFC North again and be in the mix for the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.