Colin Cowherd Ranks Bears 4th in 2026 NFL Projections

Analyst who previously doubted the Bears now sees them as a top NFC contender.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After previously criticizing the Bears and their young quarterback Caleb Williams, sports commentator Colin Cowherd has now ranked the Bears 4th in his top 10 teams for the 2026 NFL season. Cowherd cited the Bears' impressive 2025 campaign, which saw them win the NFC North and earn a playoff victory over the Packers, as evidence that this team has turned a corner and is poised to be a serious Super Bowl contender going forward.

Why it matters

The Bears' rise to prominence in 2025 was a surprise to many, as the team had long been seen as an also-ran in the NFC. Cowherd's high ranking of the Bears in his 2026 projections signals that the team has earned respect around the league and is no longer being overlooked as a potential powerhouse. This newfound status brings elevated expectations for the Bears, who will need to prove they can sustain their success and compete for championships.

The details

Cowherd cited the Bears' ability to win close games in 2025, noting that teams went just 2-14-1 after facing Chicago. He believes the Bears' disciplined, tough style of play wore down opponents, and that the team will need to focus on improving its defense in the 2026 offseason to take the next step. Cowherd also praised the work of head coach Ben Johnson, who has helped transform the Bears into a contender in just his second season.

  • The Bears won the NFC North division title in 2025.
  • The Bears earned a playoff victory over the Packers in 2025.
  • Cowherd released his 2026 NFL team rankings on February 11, 2026.

The players

Caleb Williams

The Bears' young quarterback who led the team's offensive resurgence in 2025.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' head coach who has helped transform the team into a contender in just his second season.

Colin Cowherd

A sports commentator who previously doubted the Bears but has now ranked them 4th in his 2026 NFL projections.

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What they’re saying

“I know you think it's high, the Rams had to play a perfect game and beat them in overtime in the playoffs... Teams, by the way, went 2-14-1 after they played the Bears. I don't know what that means, but it's something. They did not take the ball away in the playoffs like they did in the regular season. I think they have to spend almost their entire draft capital on defensive players.”

— Colin Cowherd, Sports Commentator (The Herd with Colin Cowherd)

What’s next

The Bears will look to build on their 2025 success and prove that they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2026. Their offseason focus will likely be on improving their defense, as Cowherd suggested, in order to complement their high-powered offense led by Caleb Williams.

The takeaway

Colin Cowherd's high ranking of the Bears in his 2026 NFL projections is a testament to the team's remarkable turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson. After years of being overlooked, the Bears have earned respect around the league and are now seen as a legitimate championship contender. The challenge for Chicago will be sustaining this success and proving they are no longer the 'same ol' Bears.'