Chicago Bears Ignored by NFL Media Despite 11-6 Season and NFC North Title

Chicago Bears finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record, secured the NFC North title, and earned the No. 2 seed in the NFC — yet were left off Kevin Clark’s Super Bowl contender list entirely.

What happened to the Chicago Bears’ credibility?

Despite winning the division and beating the Green Bay Packers twice in 2025, including a Wild Card victory, the Bears were omitted from Kevin Clark’s list of 16 potential Super Bowl teams on First Take. Teams like the Bengals, Lions, and even the Packers made the cut, while Chicago — the team that actually won the NFC North — was ignored.

Why it matters for Chicago Bears

The Bears’ 2025 campaign proved they belong among the league’s elite. They lost to the Rams by just seven points in overtime, a game where Los Angeles went on to challenge Seattle for the NFC crown. Meanwhile, Cincinnati hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2022, and Detroit missed the postseason in 2024 after a deep run the year before. The Packers haven’t advanced past the Wild Card in two straight years.

What comes next for Chicago Bears?

Chicago returns nearly all its offensive starters and added key defensive veterans like Devin Bush and Coby Bryant this offseason. The team enters 2026 on a two-game losing streak but with momentum from last season’s success. Their first test comes September 13 against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field.

Why the media still underestimates Chicago

Skepticism lingers because of past failures, but the Bears didn’t just improve — they outperformed expectations. Ben Johnson’s offense clicked, the defense tightened under new coordinators, and the team beat playoff-caliber opponents on the road. Ignoring them isn’t just wrong — it’s lazy.

The bulletin board is already set. The Bears don’t need validation. They just need to play.