The Chicago Bears' 2025 season was a rollercoaster of extremes—and not always in a good way. While the team managed to lead the NFL with an impressive 33 forced turnovers, that success came with a heavy dose of bad luck that could easily flip in 2026.

On the bright side, Chicago's defense was a turnover machine. But here's the catch: replicating that feat year after year is tough. History shows that only four of the top 10 turnover-forcing teams from 2024 managed to stay in the top 10 in 2025. The Bears also made a habit of playing from behind, which isn't exactly a sustainable formula for success.

Now, for the not-so-lucky part. Chicago was absolutely hammered by injuries, leading the NFL in games missed by players due to injury. Key defensive stars like Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner all missed multiple months. The offensive line wasn't spared either, with left tackles Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet both going down, forcing Ozzy Trapilo into the spotlight.

But perhaps the most frustrating stat of all? The Bears got zero help from the penalty flag. Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis recently ranked all 32 NFL teams by penalty yards called against their opponents in 2025. Guess who finished dead last? The Chicago Bears, with just 678 penalty yards called on their opponents. For context, the Detroit Lions had 701, and the league average was significantly higher.

Let's put that in perspective. With the new kickoff rules, the average starting field position is around the 30-yard line. If the Bears had gotten just 140 more penalty yards in their favor—roughly two full touchdown drives—they'd still be in the bottom 10. And that matters. Three of Chicago's six regular-season losses came by fewer than a touchdown. A little penalty luck could have flipped two of those games entirely.

In a league where margins are razor-thin, the Bears learned the hard way that you can't count on your opponent to hand you yardage. For fans and players alike, 2026 can't come soon enough—with hopes for healthier bodies, more consistent play, and maybe, just maybe, a few more flags flying in their favor.