As the Chicago Bears look to make the jump to contender status, there is no question that there is a decided divisional disadvantage. In the NFC, it is hard to argue against a better group of teams. It took the final day of the 2024 regular season not only to decide the division crown, but who would take the best record and first-round bye in the conference. Add in the Green Bay Packers making the playoffs, and the Bears have an uphill battle.
That task became a bit easier as the Packers continue to deal with serious camp injuries. Add in the Vikings losing quarterback Sam Darnold, and Bears fans can begin to talk themselves into a surprise run. While the Detroit Lions remain the clear favorites, it is fair to wonder if the Bears could surpass the remaining teams.
Green Bay is unquestionably providing a bit of an opening with a number of key players missing time. Add in the fact that Chicago had a far better offseason and it becomes an interesting debate. Whether or not Chicago can actually make a surprise run clearly rests squarely on the shoulders of Caleb Williams. The rest of the needed improvements appear to already be in place.
Definitely not ideal that four of the Packers most important players -- Jordan Love, Xavier McKinney, Jayden Reed and Nate Hobbs -- are hurt and missing a lot of practice time ahead of Week 1.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) August 12, 2025
Packers Early Injuries Giving Bears a Clear Opening to Start 2025 Season
Currently, the Packers are dealing with injuries to Jordan Love, Jayden Reed, Nate Hobbs, and Xavier McKinney. Losing these four players in practice reps heading into Week 1 simply cannot be overlooked. Keep in mind that the Packers open the season against the Lions and Commanders, making it easy to see a 0-2 start for Chicago's division rival.
This is the only opening the Bears need to make an early statement and find a way to chase the Lions. While expecting the Bears to contend with the division's top contender in Year 1 for Ben Johnson might be a bit unfair, hanging in the wildcard race is a realistic expectation. This, with the understanding that both the Vikings and Packers appear to be taking a step back.
Green Bay is the poster child for this due to the injuries and lack of obvious offseason upgrades. It seems the franchise is stuck in neutral with no obvious path to improvement. For Chicago, the lack of moves, along with current injuries, serves as an opportunity. One that must be taken advantage of as the franchise attempts to finally turn the corner.