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NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Why Ben Johnson will love Chicago Bears early season schedule

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated May 16, 2025 8:45 AM ET

Ben Johnson has brought plenty of buzz to the Windy City ever since being named head coach of the Chicago Bears. Now he knows the exact path he’ll have to walk to find success in year one.

Playing in the NFC North, the Bears knew their schedule would be tough regardless. But add in matchups against the AFC North and NFC East and the difficulty meter only goes up. However, at the same time, it gives Johnson and the Bears a true opportunity to prove themselves.

Chicago’s first two matchups come against divisional foes in the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, respectively. Johnson will be thrown right into the fire, which will only make the Bears stronger, argues Chris Simms of NBC Sports.

“There’s knowledge of those teams,” Simms said of Johnson going from the Lions to the Bears. “That’s a great benefit to teach Caleb Williams, to be like, ‘Hey wait, these are guys I know really well. When they do this, they’re going to bring this blitz, when they do that they’re going to bring this coverage.'”

“They’re a team that picked high in the draft that I think win totals will exceed that,” Simms continued. “Now the schedule is not easy. Those first four years where you and I put more value into it. The Bears have a chance to bounce back and get their first year under Ben Johnson off to a good start.”

Chicago Bears must make NFC North noise

NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears haven’t been to the playoffs since 2020 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2010. They have been relegated to the cellar of the NFC North and haven’t won a division title since 2018. With every other team in the North making the playoffs in 2024, Chicago will have a steep mountain to climb.

The pressure will only be elevated in Week 1, as their Vikings matchup will be televised on Monday Night Football. It’ll be a battle of debuts as JJ McCarthy steps under center for the Vikings after an injury stricken rookie year. Furthermore, it’ll be the first opportunity for Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams to prove their pairing is a winning combination.

Although things will obviously change in terms of their playbook, Johnson has a strong understanding of how the Lions operate. The only question is, can the Bears beat it? Detroit has taken over the NFL with their offensive fireworks under Johnson. If the head coach can turn the tides and bring that firepower to Chicago, there could be a new NFC North leader.

Even if one side of the rivalry is doing poorly, Bears fans will always sit up whenever they’re playing the Packers. Green Bay has found their quarterback in Jordan Love and are looking to maintain both their playoff positioning and advantage over Chicago. The Bears won the last battle between the two, but Chicago is hoping there are playoff implications on their side this time around.

Johnson knows that if he wants to get the Bears back on top, he’ll have to go through some of the toughest competition in the NFL. But iron sharpens iron, and it’s now time for Chicago to prove that this time, they’re turnaround is real.

Syndication: Detroit Free Press Chicago Bears Ben Johnson must do battle with former boss Dan Campbell – Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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