The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season with real championship expectations after winning the NFC North in 2025 and pulling off a surprising Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers. With momentum building around the franchise, head coach Ben Johnson has openly discussed his ambition to build a long-term contender in Chicago.

But turning those ambitions into reality may depend largely on the development of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.

Chicago’s early 2026 schedule is loaded with strong defenses, creating a difficult test for the young quarterback. The opening stretch of games could determine whether Williams emerges as an MVP candidate or faces early-season struggles.

Williams’ Breakout Season Raised Expectations

Williams is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign that helped fuel optimism throughout the organization. The former No. 1 overall pick set a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards, while throwing 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

He also added versatility to Chicago’s offense, rushing for three touchdowns and even catching a receiving touchdown during the season.

Perhaps the most notable statistic was his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Williams led seven comeback or game-winning drives, setting an NFL single-season record and cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.

Those performances have many around the league believing Williams could take another leap forward in 2026.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has been particularly confident in the team’s outlook. Speaking with reporter David Kaplan, Bagent even predicted that Chicago would win Super Bowl LXI, reflecting the growing belief inside the locker room.

Early Schedule Presents Major Challenge

Despite the optimism surrounding the team, the schedule offers little margin for adjustment.

Chicago’s season begins with challenging matchups against the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles. Each of those teams features defensive units capable of creating problems for young quarterbacks.

The challenges continue deeper into the season with games against the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and another meeting with the Packers.

Seven of Chicago’s first nine opponents are known for strong defensive play, meaning Williams will face consistent pressure from the start of the season.

Fast Start Could Be Crucial

Last season showed flashes of Williams’ potential, but it also revealed areas where he still needed support from the rest of the team.

In several key victories against teams like the Vikings, Eagles, and Packers, Chicago relied heavily on its defense to force turnovers while the running game helped stabilize the offense. Williams often found his rhythm later in games rather than early.

That pattern may not work in 2026.

If Chicago hopes to secure a top seed in the NFC playoffs, Williams will likely need to take control of games earlier and handle elite defensive schemes from the opening quarter.

Leadership Growth Encourages the Bears

Inside the team facility, teammates say Williams is already taking steps forward as a leader.

Bagent praised his work ethic during the offseason, noting that the young quarterback has been focused on improving and setting the tone for the offense.

“I see him being a team leader in the building,” Bagent said. “I see him working hard and really trying to do things the right way. The sky’s the limit for what our offense can be.”

The Bears came extremely close to a deeper playoff run last season, falling just short of advancing further in the postseason.

Now, with expectations higher than they have been in years, Chicago’s quest for its first Super Bowl title since the 1985 season could begin with one critical test — whether Williams can guide the team through one of the toughest opening stretches in the NFL.