During the 2024 NFL season, the Chicago Bears experienced a notable improvement in national power rankings, primarily thanks to strong performances outside of their division. Despite that, they continued to struggle in matchups against NFC North rivals, which kept them from making real progress in the division standings.
One of the major highlights of the season came after Week 7, when the Bears were ranked 12th by Pro Football Network—a jump from 17th the previous week. This surge was largely due to back-to-back wins against the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars. These victories showcased the growth of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for a combined 530 yards and six touchdowns across both games. Sportsnaut also reflected this rise, placing the Bears at 14th in their rankings, again noting Williams’ impressive performances and the team’s improving defense.
While these wins boosted the Bears’ national profile, most of their success came against teams outside the NFC North. By their Week 8 bye, they had built a 4–2 record, including strong showings against non-divisional opponents like the Panthers and Jaguars. However, their record within the NFC North told a different story. Losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Lions meant they were unable to gain ground within the division, which ultimately hurt their playoff hopes.
At one point, the Bears were tied with the Packers for the worst record in the NFC North. Even in competitive games, such as the narrow 20–19 loss to Green Bay or a tight matchup against Minnesota, Chicago couldn’t find a way to close out wins. Their inability to win within the division ultimately cast a shadow over their overall progress and limited their postseason aspirations.
The Bears’ 2024 season wasn’t just defined by their performances on the field—it also included major coaching changes. After a string of six consecutive losses, head coach Matt Eberflus was fired mid-season. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown took over as interim head coach, hoping to steady the team during a rough stretch. However, the Bears finished the season with a 5–12 record. In January 2025, the organization hired Ben Johnson, previously the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, to take the reins as the new head coach.
Looking at the full schedule, the Bears had some high points early in the season, such as a dominant preseason showing and regular-season victories over the Titans, Rams, and Panthers. They also defeated the Jaguars in convincing fashion, further showcasing the potential of their young core. Unfortunately, the rest of the season included a series of losses, many of them lopsided, including defeats at the hands of the Cardinals, 49ers, and Lions.
Their final games of the season offered mixed results. They barely lost to the Packers and Vikings and were overwhelmed by San Francisco and Detroit. One of their few late bright spots came in their final game, a 24–22 road win over the Packers. Despite the win, it was too little, too late to salvage a frustrating season.
In summary, the Bears showed flashes of promise in 2024, particularly outside the division, and rose in the national power rankings because of those performances. Caleb Williams’ development as a rookie quarterback gave fans reason to be optimistic about the future. However, struggles within the NFC North and a mid-season coaching change hindered their progress. With Ben Johnson now leading the team, the Bears will look to build on their potential and turn the corner in 2025.
