Bears Playoff Chances: Tracking the Bears Playoff Picture for 2025

Calli Varner Profile Picture
Fact Checked by Cody Kutzer

Despite the Bears' disappointing season last year, hopes are already turning with the hiring of Head Coach Ben Johnson and a revamped roster. The question remains, however, as to whether Johnson will be able to do enough to improve the Bears' playoff chances. Chicago has a 38.5% chance of making the playoffs based on odds before the start of the season.

I'll be following the team all year and will be tracking the Bears' chances to make the playoffs.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

What are the Bears Playoff Chances?

Here's a quick look at several futures markets as they relate to the Bears chances to make the playoffs. I used bet365 Illinois for each set of odds and converted those into a percent chance using implied probability.

🏈 Bears Make Playoffs13.3% chance (+650)
❌ Bears Miss Playoffs90.9% chance (-1000)
⭐ Bears Win NFC North2.78% chance (+3500)
πŸ… Bears Win NFC1.32% chance (+7500)
πŸ† Bears Win Super Bowl.55% chance (+18000)
βœ… Odds Last Verified:September 17, 2025

It's worth noting these odds may vary across different Illinois sportsbooks and I would suggest checking at least two different operators before placing a wager. As an example, if you want to bet on the Bears' playoff odds, Caesars has the better price at +190.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. This promotional offer is not available in Mississippi, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Can the Bears Make the Playoffs?

Yes. Every team can technically make the playoffs at this point. The Bears spent the offseason upgrading their offensive line and adding depth to their defense with the hope of making the playoffs this season. Chicago has a chance to make the playoffs with its revamped roster and new coaching staff, especially if QB Caleb Williams' play improves in his sophomore season.

Are the Bears Out of the Playoff Picture?

No, the Bears can make the playoffs in the 2025-26 season if their roster can improve from last season and the offensive line holds up. As of now, the Bears have a 13.3% chance of making the playoffs and a 90.9% chance of missing the postseason, based on odds at DraftKings.

Chicago Bears Playoff Chances Week-by-Week

The season is underway and we will update this section with the latest Bears' playoff chances each week from top Illinois betting apps. Ahead of preseason, the Bears have a 35% chance of making the playoffs based on +185 odds at DraftKings.

WeekBears Playoff Chances
Preseason38.5%
Week 135%
Week 235%
Week 313.3%

Latest Updates Impacting the Bears Chances to Make the Playoffs

Stay up to date with the latest Bears news and how it impacts their postseason chances:

  • πŸ“… May 21: Chicago signs OL Joe Thuney to a two-year contract extension.
  • πŸ“… April 24: The Bears draft Michigan TE Colston Loveland in the first round of the 2025 draft.
  • πŸ“… April 16: Chicago signs DB Kyler Gordon to a three-year contract extension and LB T.J. Edwards to a two-year contract extension.
  • πŸ“… April 7: The Bears sign DL Jonathan Ford, DL Daniel Hardy, OL Bill Murray, DB Ameer Speed, and DL Chris Williams.
  • πŸ“… April 4: Chicago signs DB Shaun Wade, WR Miles Boykin, and QB Case Keenum.
  • πŸ“… March 24: The Bears sign DB Nick McCloud.
  • πŸ“… March 19: Chicago signs RB Travis Homer, WR Devin Duvernay, and OL Doug Kramer Jr.
  • πŸ“… March 17: WR Olamide Zaccheaus signs with Chicago.
  • πŸ“… March 13: Chicago signs DL Grady Jarrett, TE Durham Smythe, OL Drew Dalman, and DE Dayo Odeyingbo.
  • πŸ“… March 12: The Bears trade a 2026 fourth-round draft pick to the Chiefs for OL Joe Thuney and trade a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to the Rams for OL Jonah Jackson.
  • πŸ“… January 21: Chicago hires Ben Johnson as the new head coach. 
  • πŸ“… January 5: The Bears end the 2024-25 season with a 5-12 record, the worst in the NFC North. Chicago will pick 10th overall in this year's NFL Draft.

Make sure to bookmark this page to get all of the news you need as we follow the Bears' path to the playoffs.

Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule

The Bears have a challenging season ahead, with the second-toughest schedule in the NFL. How will they do?

Bears ScheduleLineResult
Week 1 vs. Minnesota VikingsCHI +1.5, ML +102Lost 27-24
Week 2 at Detroit LionsCHI +4.5, ML +180Lost 52-21
Week 3 vs. Dallas CowboysCHI +.5, ML -105TBD
Week 4 at Las Vegas RaidersCHI -1.5, ML -125TBD
Week 5 BYE--
Week 6 at Washington CommandersCHI +4.5, ML +180TBD
Week 7 vs. New Orleans SaintsCHI -7.5, ML -360TBD
Week 8 at Baltimore RavensCHI +7, ML +260TBD
Week 9 at Cincinnati BengalsCHI +3, ML +140TBD
Week 10 vs. New York GiantsCHI -5.5, ML -238TBD
Week 11 at Minnesota VikingsCHI +2.5, ML +114TBD
Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh SteelersCHI -2.5, ML -135TBD
Week 13 at Philadelphia EaglesCHI +7, ML +260TBD
Week 14 at Green Bay PackersCHI +3.5, ML +170TBD
Week 15 vs. Cleveland BrownsCHI -7, ML -305TBD
Week 16 vs. Green Bay PackersCHI +1.5, ML +105TBD
Week 17 at San Francisco 49ersCHI +3.5, ML +160TBD
Week 18 vs. Detroit LionsCHI +1.5, ML +105TBD
Will Ben Johnson help the Bears make the playoffs?

Key Contributors Toward Bears Playoff Chances

The success of the Bears' season will ultimately come down to quarterback Caleb Williams and new head coach Ben Johnson. For Williams to have a chance at succeeding, the Bears need to have a significantly improved offensive line. After the Bears used free agency and the draft to revamp their O-Line, Chicago's offense has a chance for a strong pass game. Chicago also invested in offensive weapons for Williams, drafting a tight end in the first round of the draft. 

In the 2024-25 season, Chicago's run defense went from first in the league to 28th. The Bears needed to address their run defense this offseason if they want to be playoff contenders. Key additions to the defense during free agency and the draft are expected to bolster the pass rush and give the line a boost.

Ben Johnson has the shortest odds to win Coach of the Year at FanDuel.

πŸ‘‰More: Check out the best Bears Fantasy Football Team Names

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Fees may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Limited time offer. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription auto-renews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Where Can I Bet on the Chicago Bears to Make the Playoffs?

Fortunately for sports fans, there is no shortage of options for betting on the Bears' playoff odds. You can place Bears bets both online and in person at retail sportsbooks. Legal betting apps such as Caesars Illinois and BetRivers provide convenience, while the experience of placing a bet in person is hard to beat.

Retail locations with sportsbooks that allow Chicago Bears betting include:

  • πŸ“ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines (BetRivers)
  • πŸ“ Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin (Caesars)
  • πŸ“ Harrah's Metropolis Hotel & Casino in Metropolis (Caesars)
  • πŸ“ Harrah's Joliet Hotel & Casino in Joliet (Caesars)
  • πŸ“ Hollywood Casino Joliet in Joliet (ESPN BET)
  • πŸ“ Hollywood Casino Aurora in Aurora (ESPN BET)
  • πŸ“ DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis (DraftKings)
  • πŸ“ Fairmount Park in Collinsville (FanDuel)
  • πŸ“ Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria (FanDuel)
  • πŸ“ Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney (Fanatics Sportsbook)
  • πŸ“ Argosy Casino Alton in Alton (ESPN BET)
  • πŸ“ The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan (Circa)
  • πŸ“ Bally’s Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple in Chicago (Bally Bet)
  • πŸ“ Rockford Casino in Rockford (Hard Rock Bet)

If you're signing up for an online sportsbook for the first time, be sure to see what Illinois betting promo is available. While there won't be a bonus specifically for Chicago's chances to make the postseason, you'll be able to use it on any Bears game or any other sport/event of your choosing.

  • Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. This promotional offer is not available in Mississippi, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
  • Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, IA, KY, KS, LA, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Code is for marketing/tracking purposes.
  • 21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY. Must sign up by 9/30/25. Apply offer in bet slip; place $1+ American football cash wager w/ odds +300 or longer each Game Day. Wager must settle as loss to qualify for FanCash equal to the amount of losing wager (up to $100 FanCash per Game Day). Rewards expire 10/31/25. Terms, including FanCash terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).
  • Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
  • GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Fees may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Limited time offer. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription auto-renews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Looking Ahead: Chicago Bears Playoff Picture

The Bears are unlikely to make the playoffs, but it is certainly obtainable if things go their way in the new season with their upgraded roster. They have a difficult road to the playoffs, but with Caleb Williams' rookie season out of the way and a new head coach, the Bears have the perfect opportunity to restructure and make a run for Super Bowl 60.

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY. Must sign up by 9/30/25. Apply offer in bet slip; place $1+ American football cash wager w/ odds +300 or longer each Game Day. Wager must settle as loss to qualify for FanCash equal to the amount of losing wager (up to $100 FanCash per Game Day). Rewards expire 10/31/25. Terms, including FanCash terms apply-see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC North?

The Bears finished last in the NFC North last season, being the only team in the division to not make the playoffs. According to BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois, the Bears have the worst odds to win the division.

Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC Playoff Standings?

The Bears currently hold the ninth-best odds at DraftKings to win the NFC at +2000 odds. These odds will change throughout the offseason and the 2025-26 season. 

Where Do the Bears Rank in the NFC Wild Card Race?

The Bears did not make the playoffs last season, and the 2025-26 season has yet to start. Once the season gets underway, we will have a better idea where the Bears stand in the NFC Wild Card race.

Can the Bears Get the No. 1 Seed?

Statistically, yes, it is possible. However, it is highly unlikely that the Bears get the No. 1 seed next season. Based on +2200 odds on DraftKings, Chicago has a .66% chance of earning the No. 1 seed.

Chicago Bears Regular Season Win Total 2025

The Chicago Bears' projected win total is 8.5 games. Odds below are from FanDuel.

Over 8.5 wins46.5% chance (+115)
Under 8.5 wins58.3% chance (-140)

Bears Postseason Outlook & Predictions

The Bears fell short of hopeful expectations last season. However, considering the Bears have already hired a new coach and greatly improved their offensive line, I expect the team to look much different in the 2025 season. Chicago was active in free agency, signing new talent to improve its offensive and defensive lines. The Bears were also able to retain key players such as D.J. Moore, D'Andre Swift, and Rome Odunze. 

As for the draft, Chicago used their eight picks to add more offensive weapons and depth to its defense. The Bears could shock some people and make the playoffs in the upcoming season. However, the Bears Super Bowl Odds are very doubtful.

Chicago Bears Playoffs FAQs

Author

Calli Varner

Calli has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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