From Last Place to League Darling: Why NFL Insiders Believe the Bears Will Conquer the NFC North

• Respected NFL insiders, including an ESPN analyst and an anonymous scout, predict the Bears will win the NFC North.
• ESPN's Aaron Schatz ranked the Bears as the #2 most likely team in the NFL to go from 'worst-to-first'.
• The hype is fueled by a belief in the current roster, coaching staff, and returning talent.
• First-round draft pick Colston Loveland was seen in uniform, progressing in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Just one season after finishing in the NFC North cellar, the Chicago Bears are suddenly the talk of the town. The hype train officially left the station this week, as both a respected NFL scout and a prominent ESPN analyst have tabbed the Bears as a legitimate contender to win the division in 2025. The message from the experts is clear: forget last year, a massive turnaround is brewing in the Windy City.

ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz has ranked the Bears as his #2 most likely team to go from worst to first in their division for the 2025 season.

The Experts are All-In on a Bears Turnaround

The optimism isn't just wishful thinking from fans; it's coming from seasoned professionals. An anonymous NFL scout made waves by flat-out predicting the Bears would steal the division crown this year. Hot on the heels of that bombshell, ESPN's Aaron Schatz poured gasoline on the fire, ranking Chicago as his second-most-likely team in the entire league to complete the 'worst-to-first' journey. For a team that struggled to find its footing in 2024, this level of external confidence signals a dramatic shift in perception about the roster and coaching staff's direction.

Reinforcements on the Way: Loveland Nears Return

Fueling that optimism is the anticipated return of key new talent. A welcome sight appeared at Halas Hall as first-round draft pick Colston Loveland was spotted in uniform, taking a significant step in his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. While the rookie tight end worked separately with trainers, his presence on the field is a major positive. Head Coach Ben Johnson expressed confidence that the 10th overall pick should be cleared for action during training camp. Getting a dynamic weapon like Loveland healthy and integrated into the offense will be crucial if the Bears hope to live up to the burgeoning hype.

The buzz is palpable, and the pieces are starting to move into place. While offseason predictions are one thing, seeing a key rookie like Loveland inching closer to the field makes the 'worst-to-first' dream feel a little more tangible. All eyes now turn to training camp, where the hype will finally meet the turf. The question on every fan's mind: can the 2025 Bears turn these bold predictions into reality?