The 6-2 Chicago Bears are climbing national power rankings after a three-game winning streak in which they never trailed and scored at least 30 points each time. D’Andre Swift leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns, while a possible reunion with recently released defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson raises questions about Chicago’s secondary needs and his fit.

By the Numbers
  • Chicago is 6-2 and has won 3 straight games.
  • The Bears have scored at least 30 points in each of their last 3 games and have not trailed during that stretch.
  • Swift has 10 rushing touchdowns through 8 games, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.
  • Swift’s 3 rushing touchdowns in one half against Seattle made him the first Bear to do so since Walter Payton in 1977; he is 4 touchdowns short of Chicago’s single-season record.
  • National power rankings place Chicago as high as No. 2 and No. 3.
Yes, But

Swift’s touchdown production is elite, but his 3.8 yards per carry leaves open whether the running game is as strong as the scoring totals suggest. Gardner-Johnson could add familiarity with Dennis Allen’s defense, but discipline and consistency concerns remain, and Chicago’s secondary needs depend partly on Kyler Gordon’s health and Coby Bryant’s uncertain return.

State of Play
  • Buffalo released Gardner-Johnson after 6 starts, making him available to Chicago.
  • The Bears are drawing stronger national attention, with their offense producing consistently and their defense standing out on third down.
  • Chicago’s record and recent run have fueled questions about whether it can contend for a Super Bowl.
What's Next

Chicago must weigh whether Gardner-Johnson’s potential value justifies adding him, while monitoring its secondary health. The team’s next test is sustaining its scoring and defensive performance—and determining whether Swift’s rushing efficiency can match his touchdown output.

Bottom Line

The Bears have earned the attention, but a three-game surge is not proof of a championship-level team. Their next challenge is showing that the offense, running game and secondary can hold up beyond this hot stretch.