After three weeks of the NFL season, the Chicago Bears have shown flashes of potential but also plenty of issues that raise questions about where the team is heading. Having watched Week 1 in person, where the Bears lost a tough game to the Minnesota Vikings, and then following their blowout defeat against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, it’s clear that this season is going to be a challenging one. Still, they had a promising win against the Dallas Cowboys. The team sits at 1-2 and while there are reasons for optimism, playoff contention seems like a long shot.
In Week 1, the Bears showed promise, competing closely with the Vikings before falling short in the final moments. In Week 2, however, the wheels came off against Detroit. The defense gave up explosive plays all game, exposing weaknesses in both coverage and tackling. Losing corner back Jaylon Johnson to an indefinite injury only adds to those problems. On offense, there were signs of life, especially from second-year receiver Rome Odunze, who hauled in 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions. Another encouraging note is that the Bears managed to score touchdowns on their opening drives in both games, a sign their preparation and scripted plays are strong. Unfortunately, breakdowns in the offensive line, sloppy penalties, and inconsistent execution have prevented them from sustaining that success throughout four quarters.
The biggest question of all is Caleb Williams. Is he the quarterback of the future? Based on what we’ve seen, the answer is yes—though with some caution. Williams has already displayed poise and flashes of talent, but his development is being hampered by weak protection and a defense that puts constant pressure on the offense to keep up. If the Bears can build around him, especially by improving the offensive line and adding depth on defense, Williams could absolutely be the long-term solution.
The Bears Week 3 victory over the Cowboys changes the outlook just a bit. After starting 0-2, this win provides not only relief but also proof that the team has resilience. Beating the Cowboys, a team many consider playoff-caliber, gives the Bears confidence that they can compete with some of the league’s stronger rosters. Williams played with poise under pressure, spreading the ball around and limiting mistakes, while the defense stepped up with key stops to finally complement the offense. For the Bears, this win doesn’t suddenly make them favorites for a playoff run, but it does suggest the season won’t be a lost cause. If they can build momentum off this victory and continue to grow around their young quarterback, there’s a chance they could surprise people and overachieve compared to early expectations.
Looking ahead, it’s difficult to see the Bears as legitimate playoff contenders. Starting 1-2 puts them in a hole and with a tough schedule still ahead, they would need a major turnaround to even reach a wild card spot. More realistically, this team seems likely to finish somewhere in the 6-8 win range, with a record like 7-10 or 8-9 being their ceiling. That likely means missing the playoffs, but it does leave room to grow for the future.
Overall, the 2025 Bears may not make the playoffs, but the season will be important for growth. If they can fix the mistakes, get healthier, and give Williams the tools he needs, this year can lay the foundation for a stronger future.
