Fox Sports sets lofty expectations for the Chicago Bears in 2025 NFL season

Despite finishing the 2024 season with a 5-12 record, the folks at Fox Sports still believe Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears have serious potential in 2025.

David Banks-Imagn Images

The cleansing power of hiring Ben Johnson as head coach, having the fifth-most salary cap space in the NFL, and four of the top 72 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft is very strong for the Chicago Bears.

So, too, is having Caleb Williams entering his second season under the tutelage of Johnson after a rookie year that was a testament to overcoming odds for the 2024 first-overall pick.

Sure, the Bears finished 5-12 last year, but that’s behind them now. Hope is always renewed in February, and the optimism surrounding the Chicago Bears in 2025 is stronger than ever.

In a recent 10 bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season, Fox Sports' Eric Williams dubbed the Bears as next year's breakout team.

Peter Casey-Imagn Images

"Chicago secured the best head coaching candidate among this year's crop in former Detroit Lions offensive whiz Ben Johnson," Williams wrote. "Paired with Williams, last year's No. 1 overall pick, the two should build an explosive offense that can consistently put the ball in the end zone.

"Along with that, the Bears have a talented defense that will allow Chicago to play complementary football. Yes, the offensive line remains an issue, and the Bears play in perhaps the toughest division in the league in the NFC North, but Johnson has a chance to turn things around quickly in Chicago."

Ben Johnson has raised the stakes for the Bears in 2025. His hiring marks two consecutive offseasons where Chicago has dominated the headlines.

First, they made a splash by drafting Caleb Williams in 2024, a quarterback many analysts considered a generational talent that teams would tank for. Then, they secured Johnson, a head coaching candidate often compared to top minds like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan.

So, yeah, if the Chicago Bears don't start stacking wins soon, it won't be for a lack of trying. They've made the right and obvious moves. Eventually, the breakthrough has to happen. And maybe it'll be in 2025 as the NFL's breakout team.

—  Enjoy free coverage of the Bears from Chicago Bears on SI  —

More Chicago Bears News:

• Chicago Bears' 2024 rookie class receives average grade following mediocre first season

• Chicago Bears strengthen trenches in latest 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

• Potential Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Draft target dubbed high-risk, high-reward prospect

• Bears insider predicts Chicago's top free agency target will hit the open market