Caleb Williams has the Chicago Bears looking like genuine Super Bowl contenders at the 2026 season’s halfway mark.
The Bears hold a 7-2 record and sit atop the NFC North division. They enter Week 10 on a bye week, avoiding any game action while their division rivals hit the field.
Chicago’s offense thrives behind Williams’ ascension to elite status.
The defense also exceeds expectations by ranking in the league’s top 10 for total yards, rushing yards, and points allowed per game, according to Chicago Bears On SI, alongside a 14th-ranking in pass defense.
The defense receives further reinforcement with the recent addition of Jeffery Simmons. Dayo Odeyingbo could also return soon from injury to strengthen the front seven.
NFC North rivals play during bye week
The rest of the division plays key games while the Bears rest. The Detroit Lions face the New England Patriots in Germany at 9:30 a.m. ET.
The Minnesota Vikings travel to Lambeau Field to play the Green Bay Packers in the 1 p.m. ET window.
Both NFC North matchups carry massive implications for the division race.
Chicago currently holds a loose grip on first place in the division. Losses by both the Lions and Vikings would keep the Bears comfortably in the top spot.
Chicago faces division tie-breaker hurdles
Division tie-breakers remain a hurdle for Chicago despite the strong record, and it might take every one of 13 projected wins to secure the division. The Bears hold an 0-2 mark in the division—representing the worst mark in the NFC North—after suffering early losses to the Vikings and Packers, which gives both rivals head-to-head tie-breakers over Chicago. Fixing those divisional tie-breakers starts later this month. The Bears host the New Orleans Saints in Week 11 on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. ET on FOX in a predicted win, before they travel to face the Detroit Lions on Thursday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. ET on FOX in a projected loss.
The remaining schedule features several matchups, including a Week 14 game at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. ET on CBS, a Week 15 game at the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 8:20 p.m. ET on CBS, a Week 16 home game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Dec. 25, at 1 p.m. ET on Netflix, a Week 17 home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX, and a Week 18 game at the Minnesota Vikings with a time to be determined, concluding with a predicted 13-4 final record and first place in the NFC North.
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