Following a disappointing 5-12 campaign in 2024, the historic franchise has undergone a significant overhaul, ushering in a new coaching regime and a revamped roster.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the betting market has set the Bears’ win total at a pivotal juncture, leaving bettors to ponder whether this is the year the Monsters of the Midway finally reawaken.
2025 Season Win Total Odds:
- Over 8.5 Wins: +115
- Under 8.5 Wins: -140
- Over 7.5 Wins: -135
- Under 7.5 Wins: +115
2024 Recap: A Season to Forget
The 2024 season was a turbulent one for the Chicago Bears, culminating in a 5-12 record and a last-place finish in the NFC North. The offense struggled for consistency, ranking among the league’s worst in several key statistical categories.
While the defense showed flashes of promise, it was ultimately not enough to overcome the team’s offensive woes and a string of narrow losses. The disappointing performance led to the dismissal of the previous coaching staff, paving the way for a complete philosophical shift heading into 2025.
Offseason Overhaul: New Faces, New Hope
The Bears’ front office was aggressive in the offseason, making a series of moves to reshape the team’s identity.
Coaching Changes:
An infusion of new leadership is a central pillar of the optimism surrounding the Bears in 2025.
The most significant change comes at the top with the hiring of new head coach Ben Johnson, the highly-touted former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. .Johnson is expected to bring a creative and potent offensive scheme to a team in desperate need of a spark.
He is joined by a new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, and a new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
Key Offseason Acquisitions:
In the 2025 offseason, the Chicago Bears aggressively bolstered their roster through strategic trades, free agent signings, and draft acquisitions to enhance both their offensive and defensive units.
Key trades included acquiring guards Joe Thuney from the Chiefs and Jonah Jackson from the Rams, while free agency saw significant additions like center Drew Dalman (three-year, $42M), defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (three-year, $48M), and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (three-year, $43.5M) to strengthen the lines.
The Bears also signed depth players like wide receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, and re-signed contributors including running back Travis Homer and cornerback Josh Blackwell.
Their draft class featured promising talents like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III, alongside offensive and defensive linemen, aiming to support quarterback Caleb Williams and improve overall team competitiveness.
Analyzing the 2025 Schedule
The Bears schedule features matchups against their NFC North rival (Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings) which are always hard-fought contests.
They will also face teams from the AFC North and NFC West, providing a stern test for the new-look squad.
2025 Chicago Bears Regular Season Schedule:
What to Expect
Potential is the narrative surrounding the 2025 Chicago Bears.
Hiring head coach Ben Johnson is a significant upgrade and should, in theory, unlock the offense to new heights. The front office has also made a concerted effort to surround their young players with more talent and provide better protection.
However, a significant turnaround from a 5-win season is a tall order. The NFC North is a competitive division, and the Bears’ schedule is not without its difficult stretches. Immediate contention might be a year away.
Ultimately, the 2025 Chicago Bears represent a fascinating case study in team rebuilding. While the ghosts of seasons past may linger, the fresh start and tangible improvements offer a compelling reason to believe a brighter future in Chicago is close, both on the field and at the betting window.