The Chicago Bears have been the talk of the NFL offseason, with some calling them “offseason champions” due to a flurry of high-profile moves designed to improve their roster. From acquiring key players in free agency to a blockbuster trade that revamped their receiving corps, the Bears’ front office has shown an undeniable commitment to turning around a team that has struggled for years. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful that the moves will finally put Chicago back in the playoff hunt. However, despite the excitement and optimism, the Bears’ chances of making the playoffs in 2025 remain uncertain, with many experts questioning if the team’s changes are enough to overcome the significant hurdles ahead.
The Bears’ offseason success, highlighted by the acquisition of top-tier free agents and a key trade, has positioned them as one of the most improved teams in the league on paper. In particular, the trade with the Carolina Panthers that netted Chicago the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft allowed the team to select Justin Fields’ new top target, wide receiver DJ Moore. The addition of Moore, a proven playmaker, adds a significant threat to a Bears receiving corps that has long been one of the weakest in the league. Additionally, the signing of several high-quality free agents, including defensive pieces that bolster a historically porous defense, gives Chicago fans a reason to be optimistic.
On the surface, all of these moves seem like they could catapult the Bears into playoff contention. However, the reality is that simply making moves in the offseason doesn’t guarantee success when the regular season rolls around. The NFL is an incredibly competitive league, and while the Bears have improved, they still face many obstacles that could prevent them from making the playoffs in 2025.
The first and most glaring issue the Bears face is their quarterback situation. Justin Fields has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Chicago, but his development has been inconsistent, especially as a passer. His rushing ability has been his greatest strength, but in today’s NFL, teams that rely solely on their quarterback’s ability to run the ball tend to struggle in the long run. While Fields is undoubtedly an exciting talent, the pressure is on him to take the next step in his development as a passer, especially with the addition of Moore, who is expected to elevate the Bears’ passing attack. However, there are still legitimate concerns about whether Fields can consistently make the throws needed to win games at the NFL level. The team will need him to show substantial improvement in his decision-making, accuracy, and ability to read defenses if they want to have a chance at the playoffs.
Moreover, while the addition of DJ Moore gives Fields a reliable weapon, the Bears’ receiving corps is still thin beyond Moore. Darnell Mooney has flashed potential in the past, but he’s coming off an injury and still hasn’t established himself as a consistent No. 2 option. Tight end Cole Kmet has been a reliable target, but he’s not a game-breaking weapon that can change the course of a game. The Bears’ offense still lacks the depth and explosiveness required to compete with the top-tier offenses in the league, which could be problematic when facing high-powered teams in their division and beyond.
The offensive line is another area of concern. While the Bears made strides in addressing this issue during the offseason by acquiring some veteran pieces, the line remains a work in progress. Fields will need time to operate efficiently in the pocket, and the protection has been inconsistent in recent seasons. If the offensive line fails to gel and provide Fields with the necessary protection, the offense could quickly fall into disarray. A lack of protection for Fields could lead to sacks, turnovers, and a breakdown in overall offensive execution, which would severely hamper the Bears’ playoff chances.
Defensively, the Bears made strides with their offseason acquisitions, particularly in the secondary. Signing players like cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and adding depth to their defensive line is a step in the right direction. However, the Bears’ defense remains a work in progress. While their defense showed signs of improvement last season, it was still ranked among the bottom half of the league in multiple categories. The team will need to rely heavily on their new additions, but they still lack a game-changing pass rusher, which could limit their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers. With many of the top teams in the NFC boasting potent offenses, the Bears’ defense will need to perform at a significantly higher level if they hope to compete in the playoff race.
The Bears’ division, the NFC North, is another obstacle they must overcome. The NFC North has long been a competitive division, with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions all fielding strong teams. The Packers have been the class of the division for years, led by the legendary Aaron Rodgers. However, with Rodgers now in New York, the division is wide open, and this presents an opportunity for the Bears. The Vikings, coming off a successful season, have a potent offense led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the Lions, while historically underwhelming, have shown signs of improvement and could be poised to make a leap. The Bears will need to find a way to compete with these teams, who have more established quarterbacks and better overall roster depth. Winning the NFC North will not be an easy feat, and while it’s possible, it’s far from guaranteed.
Beyond the division, the NFC as a whole is a tough conference. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys are all expected to contend for playoff spots, and any wildcard spots will be fiercely contested. The Bears will need to outperform teams like the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks—who have all made notable improvements—to even have a chance at sneaking into the playoffs. The Bears’ schedule is also challenging, with several tough games against playoff-caliber teams. The Bears will have to show that they can compete consistently against top-tier opponents and win the close games that often separate playoff teams from those who fall short.
Another important factor is the Bears’ head coach, Matt Eberflus. In his second season as head coach, Eberflus must prove that he can lead the team to success and get the most out of his players. While Eberflus is known for his defensive expertise, there are questions about whether he can lead a team with a young quarterback and build a balanced offense. The pressure will be on him to create a cohesive team that can compete at a high level, especially with a still-developing roster. His ability to manage the offense, put Fields in the best position to succeed, and get the defense to play at a high level will be crucial to the team’s playoff hopes.
Even with all the offseason moves, the Bears’ path to the playoffs is fraught with challenges. Their young quarterback needs to develop into a true franchise passer, the offensive line needs to improve, and the defense must perform at a higher level. Their division rivals are no slouches, and the competition in the NFC is fierce. While the Bears have certainly improved on paper, the gap between them and true playoff contenders may still be too wide to close in one season.
In conclusion, the Chicago Bears are certainly a team to watch in 2025, but the odds of them making the playoffs remain slim. The offseason additions are encouraging, and they have a solid foundation to build upon, but the road to the playoffs will be a difficult one. Fields’ development as a passer, the offensive line’s play, and the overall performance of the defense will all play significant roles in determining whether the Bears can truly contend for a playoff spot. While their offseason moves have set the stage for improvement, the Bears still have much to prove before they can truly be considered a playoff team. Until they show consistent on-field success, they remain a team with a lot of promise but a lot of work to do.
