Predicting how the Chicago Bears’ 2026 season will unfold
Summary
Shaw Local's Bears Insider Podcast features reporters McCall Dwoak and Joe Aguilar making predictions for the 2026 Chicago Bears season. They debate key awards, with Aguilar favoring Caleb Williams for MVP and Dylan Theeman for Rookie of the Year, while Dwoak selects T. Colston Loveland for MVP. The discussion also covers Austin Booker's potential breakout, Jalen Johnson's return to form, and the team's improved pass rush. Both reporters predict the Bears will secure a playoff berth, with Aguilar projecting an 11-5 record and Dwoak forecasting a 10-7 wild card finish.
Topics discussed
Introduction and 2026 NFL season opener
Bears context and prediction categories
Team MVP predictions: Caleb Williams vs. Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland's potential as a special tight end
Rookie of the Year predictions: Dylan Theeman
Defensive Player of the Year: Austin Booker
Austin Booker's breakout season potential
Cornerback Jalen Johnson's recovery and outlook
Surprise prediction: Bears continue to force turnovers
Surprise prediction: Pass rush improves despite no changes
Defensive line changes and interior push
Team record prediction: Aguilar predicts 11-5
Team record prediction: Doak predicts 10-7
Final outlook: Bears return to playoffs as wild card
Listen ad-free on Castria