It is fair to say the Chicago Bears are facing lofty expectations when it comes to the team's scoring in the 2026 season. Ben Johnson has made headlines late in the summer by talking about wanting a record-setting offense and to blow teams off the field leaving no doubt. This isn't going to invite favor from opposing rosters, but it does catch the attention of fans and league pundits who were already expecting the unit to be among the league's most productive.
This was the case for USA Today, who ranked the Bears as the fifth-best offense heading into the season. Ranked ahead of Chicago were the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills. While Chicago fans might find fault with a division rival being ranked ahead of them there is no arguing that the league's defending MVP in Matthew Stafford and a loaded Los Angeles roster should be ranked ahead of Chicago.
Buffalo has the clear advantage of Josh Allen, who has been regarded as the league's best quarterback after recent struggles from Patrick Mahomes. This leads us to looking at Dallas, where the dynamic duo of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb creates nightmare matchups for even the most talented of NFL secondaries.
Fifth might seem a bit low at first glance, but it is a respectful ranking pointing to the fact that the Bears are demanding respect after last year's breakout season. It is notable that Ben Johnson's unit is ranked ahead of an offense rostering Joe Burrow, Tee Higgens, and Ja'Marr Chase, with the Bengals falling two spots behind the Bears.
Bears fans will appreciate continued respect as Chicago continues to establish itself as offensive powerhouse
What is going to be interesting to watch in the early part of the 2026 season is how serious Johnson was about wanting a historic offense. The ease of schedule and clear talent of the roster sets up the Bears to end the season as the league's best offense and have a commanding unit that pushes the franchise into great NFC positioning.
Appreciating this ranking is in no way meant to dismiss the ceiling of Chicago to be the league's best offense, but rather understanding the progress. A year ago the Bears were coming off missing the playoffs yet again and appeared to be up against an impossible battle as rookie head coach Ben Johnson joined a division with three teams with legitimate playoff hopes.
Fast forward a year and the Bears are already being discussed as a top-five offense based simply on last year's accomplishments and expected improvements. It is a level of respect Bears fans can't help but appreciate and should expect to continue as this core is just getting started.
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