The Chicago Bears spent years giving viewers reasons to change the channel. Now, ESPN believes they are the one NFL team nobody should want to miss.
Bears earn No. 1 spot in ESPN watchability rankings
ESPN’s Ben Solak ranked all 32 NFL teams based on their entertainment value entering the 2026 season. The Bears finished first, beating out the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers.
That does not necessarily mean ESPN considers Chicago the best team in football. Solak’s formula favored explosive plays, close finishes, star power and teams capable of producing a little chaos.
The Bears checked every box last season.
Chicago won 11 games, captured the NFC North and earned its first playoff victory in 15 years last season. It was rarely boring along the way. Caleb Williams led six comeback victories, the most in the NFL, while Ben Johnson’s offense produced enough late-game drama to age Bears fans several additional years.
“There’s no way you need me to explain this to you,” Solak wrote before revisiting some of Chicago’s wildest moments.
Those included Colston Loveland’s 58-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, a late kickoff return that helped beat the Minnesota Vikings and the ridiculous sequence that produced a 50-yard DJ Moore touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Apparently, winning normally was considered too dull.
Caleb Williams laser over the middle to Colston Loveland who spins off defenders and takes it 58 yards for the win vs Bengals #DaBears pic.twitter.com/qX9RosJSZc
— DaClips (@DaBearsclips) May 24, 2026
Caleb Williams has turned Chicago into must-see television
The ranking offers another example of how quickly the perception surrounding the Bears has changed.
Chicago entered last season with optimism, but Williams and Johnson still had plenty to prove. The quarterback was attempting to rebound from an uneven rookie year, while Johnson faced the usual questions that follow any first-time head coach.
One season later, Williams is being discussed as a potential MVP candidate. Johnson has turned the offense into the team’s greatest attraction, and the Bears are no longer treated like an amusing rebuilding project.
They are expected to contend.
ESPN believes Chicago could field the league’s most explosive offense this season. Williams’ ability to extend plays creates highlights that few quarterbacks can duplicate, while the talent around him gives Johnson several ways to attack a defense.
The Bears may also receive some accidental assistance from their own defense. Chicago forced turnovers at an impressive rate last season, but it also surrendered plenty of yards. If that continues, Williams could find himself dragged into more shootouts and fourth-quarter rescue missions.
Great for television. Less enjoyable for anyone wearing a Bears pullover and checking his blood pressure.
National attention brings much larger expectations
Becoming the NFL’s most watchable team is flattering, but it also removes any remaining element of surprise.
Opponents know what Chicago can do. Williams will be studied more closely, Johnson’s offense will face adjustments and the Bears must navigate a first-place schedule after winning the division.
Last season proved Chicago could create memorable football. The next challenge is showing it can handle the attention that comes with success.
The Bears are no longer sneaking up on anybody. According to ESPN, the entire league will be watching.
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