Steve Smith Sr. Drops Surprising Insight That Could Shake Up the Bears’ Future

So here’s a quirky thought to kick things off: what if Steve Smith Sr.’s sharp eye for talent isn’t just nostalgia talking? That’s right — the former NFL standout has dropped a bombshell belief that the Chicago Bears, under Ben Johnson’s new regime, might actually make the playoffs this year. Now, if you’d told me a season ago that the Bears would have a defense leading the league in takeaways, a rising star QB in Caleb Williams, and momentum that could rattle the NFC North, I’d have snorted and poured another cup of coffee. But here we are, watching this team fire on all cylinders — well, mostly. So, buckle up, because Chicago’s hunt for a playoff spot might just be the story nobody saw coming… and Steve Smith Sr. is all in on it.

Steve Smith Sr. looks on before a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. — (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears have won seven games this season. Clearly, hiring Ben Johnson as head coach was a big step in the right direction for this organization.

They still have a tough schedule ahead of them, but former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. has a strong belief about the Bears.

“I could see the Bears making the playoffs just because every time you look up to the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson has this team firing in all cylinders,” Smith said.

Future HOF WR Steve Smith Sr. is all-in on the Chicago Bears @ChicagoBears | @SteveSmithSr89 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/Py9g4gGCnR

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 17, 2025

Though Johnson is an offensive-minded head coach, Chicago’s defense is leading the NFL in takeaways and interceptions. Kevin Byard III leads the league with five picks.

On the other side of the ball, quarterback Caleb Williams is looking like a legitimate star. The consistency hasn’t always been there, and he has some issues with accuracy at times, but the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft has made big strides from his rookie season.

The Bears have two games remaining against the Green Bay Packers and a rematch with the Detroit Lions. Holding on to first place in the NFC North will be easier said than done.

That being said, they should definitely like their chances. The Bears have been more consistent than any team in their division, and they’re riding significant momentum after already winning more games than they did all of last season.

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