Chicago Bears’ biggest takeaways at halfway point of 2026 season

It’s week 10 and the Chicago Bears are officially at the halfway point of the 2026 season. The team is currently in the middle of their bye week, with the team returning on November 22nd against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field.

The Bears are currently in first place of the NFC North, sitting at 7-2. However, they are just a game out of last place due to how tough the division is.

With it being the midway point of the season, here are my biggest midseason takeaways of 2026z

The Chicago Bears are a complete team and officially a Super Bowl contender

It’s time to start with the biggest takeaway of the season, so far. Simply put, the Bears have a legit chance to pull it off. This team has a chance to bring the Lombardi trophy back to Chicago for the first time since the 85-86 season.

Ben Johnson’s Bears solidified themselves as a top five team in the NFL. The team has proved they can win due to all three phases of the game, is able to win at home and on the road, and can close games out when needed to the most.

The Bears have a proven top 10 offense in the NFL. The defense is finally finding its footing, especially following the trade for star DT Jeffery Simmons.

Chicago still has the toughest remaining schedule in football, however this team is showing every week that anything is possible.

Dennis Allen and the Bears defense is doing a remarkable job

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen deserves so much praise for how he has turned around this defense.

Despite the defense struggling early on, the Bears’ defensive unit has made a remarkable turnaround. Even with the secondary being a major flaw, this defense is finding ways to make plays. The defense has been elite on third down, and the pass rush is finally becoming scary.

.@StaceyDales: “Dennis Allen has been savage this season. I think he should be in the conversation for top assistant coach in the league.” pic.twitter.com/EHbO1EVQgL

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) November 11, 2026

Bears defense:

Over the past two weeks

3rd & 4th down conversion rate:
– 5/28 (17.9%)
– 7 sacks

Through week 9
– 22.8% NFL record breaking pace.

Coming into the season the defense was the issue. Dennis and Ryan and the athletes on the field are answering the call. pic.twitter.com/5rMcMw6UyY

— Trey² (@PeanutChillman) November 9, 2026

Multiple role players such as Austin Booker, Cam Lewis, Daniel Hardy, and Dayo Odeyingbo have improved greatly under Allen’s system.

The pass rush is starting to become dangerous thanks to the franchise altering trade for Simmons. Simmons has been a complete game changer and is making his teammates around him better as well.

Luther Burden is emerging as a top WR

Wide receiver Luther Burden has had a major breakout season. The second year wideout has been quarterback Caleb Williams’ top target.

Burden has been clutch in the deep passing game, as well has the quick short passes. He has overall improved as a route runner and is even faster compared to his rookie season.

Bears WR Luther Burden has the highest forced missed tackle rate of any WR in the NFL this season.

7.3% higher than Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

(via @PFF) pic.twitter.com/YB8vF7d96y

— Kalshi Chicago (@KalshiChicago) November 10, 2026

Caleb Williams to Luther Burden III for a 56-yard touchdown

TBvsCHI on NBC/Peacock
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/zXsKY9tZ2H

— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2026

Even though Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland has been huge factors into the Bears’ passing game, it’s clear that Burden is the top target moving forward.

Despite his rough week 9 performance, Caleb Williams has shown he is elite

Lastly, the Bears’ offense would not be the same with the pairing of star quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson.

The improvement from last season to this season for Williams has been beyond impressive. The quarterback has drastically improved his completion percentage, his accuracy, and decision making. Williams is finally hitting the simple plays, while still being able to play like Superman.

Since returning from his hamstring strain in week 2, the Bears have never trailed in a game.

As we all know, his week 9 performance against Tampa Bay was terrible. It was the worst Williams has looked since arguably his rookie year. However, this happens. The bye week has came at a perfect time, Williams can get some much needed rest and move forward to next week.

The Bears can finally start to get healthy for the second half of the season

Thankfully, the Bears’ roster can finally get some much needed rest and get ready for the toughest stretch of the season.

Multiple key players have been badly banged up throughout the season. D’Andre Swift has clearly been worn out and can finally get to 100 percent. Linebacker TJ Edwards has dealt with on and off injuries and can get a needed break as well.

The biggest positive is multiple top players are expected to make their return after the bye week. Running back Kyle Monangai is expected to be ready to go soon. Pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo is expected to come off of injured reserve as early as next week. Malik Muhammad should return to the Bears’ secondary next week as well.

Hopefully, Burden will be able to get out of the concussion protocol in time for week 11, following his injury in week 9.

To top it off, Coby Bryant still could potentially return in December, at a time the Bears will need him the most.

At a 7-2 record, Chicago has to keep their foot on the gas for this second half of 2026. The second half of this season could be historic.

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