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Expectations for the Chicago Bears in 2026 are to make it to the Super Bowl, but some believe that won't happen.
Many look at the Bears' schedule, which is considered the toughest in the league, but there are also questions about the roster. First, some wonder if star quarterback Caleb Williams can put together another good season; second, can the defense hold up its end of the bargain?
SB Nation's Jarrett Bailey shared a list of his 61 bold predictions for the 2026 season. Look away, Bears fans. Bailey has the Green Bay Packers ending the Bears' playoff hopes on Christmas Day.
"One year after the Bears overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to shock the Packers twice in the span of three weeks, Green Bay returns the favor to Chicago. Entering the game at 7-7, the Bears can’t afford another loss if they want to remain alive in the NFC playoff race. With just over a minute to go in regulation and the game tied at 23, Jordan Love launches a moon ball to Christian Watson, who catches it, snaps away from a tackle, and runs into the end zone to lock up a 30-23 win, all but putting the dagger in the playoff hopes of the Bears."
Could the Packers really end the Bears' season in 2026?
The Bears' strength of schedule is a real concern to a lot of people since it enters the season as the toughest. Many early predictions have the Detroit Lions winning the NFC North, and some even have the Packers finishing second.
Green Bay has way too many questions entering the 2026 season for that kind of prediction to happen. The Packers won't have star edge rusher Micah Parsons to start the season with his injury, and tight end Tucker Kraft might not have recovered from his injury late last season. There are questions about running back Josh Jacobs' legal troubles off the field and whether he will miss any time.
As for Chicago, it's all about whether Williams can continue his success from last season. Many believe he won't be able to do the same thing and lead an NFL record seven comebacks and game-winning drives again to save them.
The Bears' defense is a concern and should be questioned, with injuries in the secondary and an inefficient pass rush. Chicago did nothing to improve its defensive line dramatically, but it at least added Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman to improve its secondary.
Read more: Caleb Williams faced with burning question every Bears fan has
Having the season end with the Packers knocking the Bears out of playoff contention would be a devastating blow for Chicago. Bears fans only hope that won't happen.
Today's best reads
- ESPN's math isn't exactly mathing with Bears' NFC North title chances
- Bears' Caleb Williams is in elite company whether Packers fans admit it or not
- Bears fans won't love reason for Jordan Love ranking higher than Caleb Williams
- The Caleb Williams vs. Jordan Love debate just took a decisive turn
- Pro-Packers radio host admits what no Bears fan expected to hear
This article was originally published on beargoggleson.com as Bold prediction would be catastrophic way for Bears to end 2026 season.
