Chicago Bears-Arizona Cardinals

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Bears will seek to improve upon their 11–6 record from the previous season and repeat as NFC North champions for the first time since 2005–2006.

In Their Own Story

The turnaround wasn't linear. After falling to 0–2 against division rivals Minnesota and Detroit, the Bears won their first game under Ben Johnson against Dallas. They blocked a game-winning field goal in Week 4 to secure their 800th franchise win. By Week 7, they snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Saints, their first four-game winning streak since 2018. The offensive explosion peaked in Week 9 against Cincinnati; trailing late, Caleb Williams connected with Colston Loveland for a 58-yard touchdown with 17 seconds left to secure a 47–42 victory. The season's climax arrived on Black Friday in Philadelphia, where running backs D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai combined for 255 rushing yards—the first time the Bears had two 100-yard rushers since 1985. A Week 16 overtime win against Green Bay, sparked by an onside kick recovery and a touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker, sealed their fate as division champions.

Reader's Guide

The source article does not provide information about the Chicago Bears-Arizona Cardinals rivalry or the Cardinals' history.

Did You Know?

• The Bears signed 16 players to reserve/future contracts for the 2026 season, including wide receiver Maurice Alexander and running back Brittain Brown.

A Historic Turnaround and Playoff Return

The 2025 season marked a monumental resurgence for the Chicago Bears, ending years of struggle with their first winning campaign since 2018. After a disappointing 5–12 finish in 2024, the team found its rhythm following a pivotal Week 10 victory over the New York Giants. This momentum culminated in an impressive 11–4 start, matching their best opening stretch from six years prior. A crucial road triumph against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 officially secured a winning season. The narrative reached its peak during the final weeks of the regular season; an overtime victory against divisional rival Green Bay Packers, combined with losses by Detroit and Baltimore, propelled Chicago to their first playoff berth since 2020. This achievement also broke a seven-year drought for NFC North titles, signaling a dramatic shift in franchise fortunes under new leadership.

Leadership Transition and Coaching Evolution

The 2025 campaign was defined by significant organizational changes, beginning with the passing of principal owner Virginia Halas McCaskey at age 102. Her death on February 6 marked the first season since 1982 without her direct ownership influence. On the field, the Bears hired Ben Johnson as their 18th head coach in January 2025, replacing Matt Eberflus who was fired mid-season the previous year after a six-game losing streak. Johnson brought extensive offensive experience from his tenure with the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions, where he helped build one of the league's most potent offenses. His arrival coincided with the promotion of Thomas Brown as interim coach in 2024, though the team struggled under him before Johnson took over. The new coaching staff was fully announced by late February, setting the stage for a fresh strategic approach that would ultimately yield historic results.

Quarterback Records and Offensive Breakthroughs

Offensively, the season was headlined by quarterback Caleb Williams, who shattered long-standing franchise records. Williams accumulated 3,942 passing yards, surpassing Erik Kramer's previous single-season mark of 3,838 set decades earlier. This achievement made him the first Bears quarterback to ever eclipse the 3,900-yard threshold in a season, highlighting the effectiveness of Ben Johnson's offensive system. The team's offense was further bolstered by contributions from running back D'Andre Swift and wide receiver D.J. Moore, who delivered critical touchdowns in high-stakes games. Early struggles against Minnesota and Detroit gave way to consistent scoring, including a four-game winning streak that hadn't been seen since 2018. The offensive explosion was instrumental in securing the division title and propelling the team into the postseason.

Postseason Glory and Historic Comebacks

The Bears' playoff run began with an unforgettable Wild Card victory over their longtime rivals, the Green Bay Packers. This game featured a massive comeback that stood as the franchise's largest playoff recovery since 1933, marking their first postseason win since the 2010 season. The triumph was a testament to the team's resilience and the new culture established by head coach Ben Johnson. However, the journey concluded in the divisional round with an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite this final defeat, the 2025 season remains etched in history for ending a seven-year playoff drought and securing the NFC North crown. The combination of regular-season dominance and a dramatic Wild Card win provided a foundation of hope and excitement for the franchise's future.