The 2024 season for the Chicago Bears was an underwhelming sequel to the team’s rebuild drama. Though there were flashes of brilliance and cause for optimism, especially from first-year quarterback Caleb Williams, the team’s overall performance was far below expectations. The Bears were last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record, and they were near the bottom of the NFL in a multitude of key statistical categories on both sides of the ball.
With an uncertain offseason, the coming 2025 season has as many pitfalls as opportunities for betting. The most productive way to place smart bets next season is knowing where the Bears were vulnerable and where they have the potential to improve.
A Season of Growing Pains
The offense of Chicago was inconsistent in 2024, hindered by subpar play from the offensive line and a lack of significant downfield plays in the passing game. The Bears ranked 31st in passing yards per game (181.9) and 26th in rushing yards per game (101.6), placing them near the bottom of the NFL in total offense with 283.5 yards per game (32nd overall). Their inability to sustain drives resulted in a 28th-ranked average of 18.2 points per game, highlighting their struggles to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Caleb Williams’ Rookie Season
The Bears handed the keys to Caleb Williams, the overall number one pick, hoping he’d be the long-term answer at quarterback. While he showed flashes of brilliance at times, his numbers reflected the growing pains of a rookie quarterback. Williams finished the year with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 46.7 QBR—solid for a first-year player but far from elite. His performance included several standout games, but inconsistency and offensive struggles limited the Bears’ success.
His greatest challenge was inconsistency, especially against tough defenses that took advantage of Chicago’s poor offensive line.
Williams’ development is central to the Bears’ future, and whether he takes a step in 2025 will be a large determining factor in betting on their success.
Running Game Lacked Explosiveness
Even with the arrival of D’Andre Swift, Chicago’s ground attack was not a difference-maker. Swift led the team with 959 rushing yards on 253 carries, but averaged 3.8 yards per rush. While he had a season-long run of 56 yards, the Bears lacked a consistent home-run playmaker in the backfield. Defenses frequently stacked the box, forcing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to shoulder much of the offensive burden through the air.
DJ Moore Was The Only Silver Lining
Wide receiver DJ Moore continued to be the Bears’ most consistent playmaker, leading the club with 966 receiving yards on 98 receptions. He also had six touchdown catches, but defenses often keyed on him, and Chicago lacked a reliable secondary receiving threat. If the Bears want their passing game to improve in 2025, they’ll need to provide quarterback Caleb Williams with more weapons.
Defensive Struggles Defined the Season
Defensively, Chicago was not terrible but was not good enough to support an anemic offense either. The Bears gave up 21.8 points per game, a middle-of-the-pack figure, but their pass rush and takeaway totals were disappointing.
Key Defensive Players
- Kevin Byard III (S): Team leader with 130 tackles but with just two sacks, and therefore his time in the box was minimal.
- Montez Sweat (DE): Sack leader with 5.5, a letdown since he was projected to be a premier pass rusher.
- Jaylon Johnson (CB): The secondary was a highlight at times, with Johnson having two interceptions and eight pass breakups.
Their defense simply couldn’t put enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and that will have to change if the Bears are going to be more competitive in 2025.
Betting on the Bears in 2025
Despite all their troubles, the Bears could be some interesting betting value in the upcoming season. Whether it is win totals, player props, or game-by-game bets, there are plenty of different angles to be taken.
1. Futures Betting: Will the Bears Improve?
The sportsbooks will probably make Chicago’s 2025 win total 6.5 or 7. Since they finished last in their division, the NFC North, and have a projected schedule with rigorous divisional competition, it’s hard to see where betting the over would be a good idea unless the Bears make significant improvement.
Following the newest NFL team news is the most important in evaluating this wager. Free agent acquisitions, injuries, and coach hirings can completely revolutionize expectations. If the Bears shore up their offensive line problems in free agency or acquire a third big-play wide receiver, their win total could increase. If not, though, the under on their win total might be the surest bet.
Important variables that could influence this wager:
- Does Caleb Williams take a step forward?
- Can the offense line get better?
- Does Chicago add playmakers on both sides of the ball?
If you think the Bears are going to be a bottom-of-the-barrel team, the under on their win total may be the safest bet.
2. Betting on the Bears Against the Spread
Chicago managed to cover the spread in seven of their 17 contests in 2024, which wasn’t awful for a team that was struggling. But the problem was inconsistency and they weren’t really able to keep games close against better teams. What was their biggest problem? Not having sufficient offense and an inability to seal the deal in close games.
For 2025, coming to terms with wagering on Chicago Bears odds involves a closer look at when and where they perform at their best. Historically, they’ve performed worse as favorites but have occasionally been rewarded as underdogs in games where their defense appears.
For 2025, consider these trends:
- Fade the Bears as favorites – If the Bears are favored at any point, it’ll probably be against another lesser team. Chicago hasn’t shown that they can be trusted in that situation.
- Back them as underdogs against non-playoff teams – The Bears occasionally played spoiler in 2024. Find the places where they’re getting more than a touchdown against mediocre teams.
3. Player Prop Bets: Who Will Shine?
If you enjoy wagering on individual performances, player props can offer some interesting possibilities:
Caleb Williams Passing Yards: Assuming the Bears upgrade their offensive line and bring in a fourth wide receiver, the over on Williams’ passing yards might be a consideration. Sportsbooks should set it around 3,700–3,900 next season.
DJ Moore Receiving Yards: Moore has shown he can be a 1,000-yard receiver in any offense. If the passing game in Chicago improves even a little bit, his yardage prop over is a good bet.
D’Andre Swift Rushing Yards: If the Bears do not improve their offensive line, then Swift might keep on struggling. The under on his rushing yards might be the way to go.
4. Divisional Matchups: Can Chicago Keep Pace with the NFC North?
The Bears were 0-6 in the division last season, having been swept by Detroit, Minnesota, and Green Bay. They must at least be competitive in NFC North games if they are going to show any considerable improvement.
Opportunity in Adversity
The Bears find themselves in a familiar position heading into 2025—waiting for their young quarterback to improve while filling several roster voids. They are not likely to take a significant jump into playoff contention, but they might still be a compelling team to bet on, particularly in player props and certain game spreads.
If value in the long term is what you seek, going against Chicago in win totals and divisional matchups may be the way to go. That said, if Williams makes a significant leap, there may be chances to take advantage of an ascending Bears offense. Either way, keeping up with offseason transactions and training camp news will be important to making the most intelligent wagers next year.