RADIO
Chicago Bears D/ST Poised to Test Surging Bucs
The Chicago Bears D/ST is on an upward trajectory heading into a Week 9 meeting with the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chicago is coming off an excellent team win against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks a game ago. The offense excelled in the toughest matchup, though the defense did its part again as well. The addition of defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons paid immediate dividends, as he recorded a team-high six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and two tackles for loss. It was a stellar debut, and he now significantly boosts a defensive unit that was already top three against the rush (86.8) and improved on the back end. Tampa Bay has surged recently via their ground attack, but they'll be forced to compete through the air this Sunday night against a high-octane Chicago offense. The Bears unit ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST8 for the weekend's slate.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chicago Bears D/ST an Effective Week 8 Starting Option
The Chicago Bears D/ST projects as a valuable fantasy asset this week when they take on the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Chicago's defense has been solid this season. Despite being beatable through the air, the Bears allow the third-fewest rushing yards per game (87.6). While Chicago hasn't truly excelled in any other area, they've been sound across the board. Through seven weeks, they're tied for fifth with 11 takeaways, and rank fourth with 19 sacks. Moreover, the team's recent acquisition of defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons should strengthen an already formidable squad. If Chicago can throw off quarterback Sam Darnold's timing, they'll stand a good chance to make an impact, as Darnold entered Week 7's matchup against the Chiefs completing a mere 38% of throws under pressure. The Bears rank as RotoBaller's D/ST10 for what should be a fun Monday night contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bears Acquire Jeffery Simmons From Titans in Blockbuster Deal
The Chicago Bears have acquired star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Simmons is a superstar on defense, earning four Pro Bowl honors throughout his career. He was also named a First Team All-Pro last season after amassing 11 sacks, 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits. He is on a similar trajectory this year with four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Trading two first-round picks is a big decision for the Bears, but if the trade works out as planned, those selections will be later in the first round. Plus, it's a fair price to pay for a team looking to not only separate themselves in the NFC North, but also solidify their roster for a Super Bowl run. Simmons will now be tasked with serving as a game wrecker in a division that features Jared Goff, Kyler Murray, and Jordan Love.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Chicago Bears D/ST a Fringy Streamer Vs. Red-Hot Pats
The Chicago Bears D/ST won't have it easy against a surging New England Patriots offense on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. Chicago's defense has been up and down so far, but it has done well to limit points (sixth-fewest) and total yardage (seventh-fewest). Moreover, the team has recorded at least two sacks in each game and 17 tackles for loss over its last two. A few weeks ago, this matchup would have been far less intimidating, but third-year signal-caller Drake Maye has played much better football in his three recent appearances, posting a stellar 10:1 TD:INT ratio. To continue their defensive success, Chicago must stay stout against the run and not let Maye and the Pats' attack beat them deep. The Bears' unit ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST15 ahead of the critical primetime matchup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chicago Bears Defense a Streamable Week 6 Asset
The Chicago Bears D/ST has been up and down through the season's first five weeks, but has done well to limit opposing offenses' yardage and scoring. In Week 6, they'll face an Atlanta Falcons squad that has been a favorable matchup for opposing defenses on the year as a whole. Chicago's unit has been solid, ranking ninth in total yards allowed per game (311.4), though they have really shone against the run. The Bears allow 96 rushing yards per game, tied for the ninth-best mark in the league, so an Atlanta offense that averages the second-most yards on the ground (166.8) will test them this weekend. If Chicago can keep the Falcons' superstar rusher in check, its pass rush should keep causing issues in the backfield. The unit's 12 sacks are the eleventh-highest total in 2026 so far. Fantasy managers can rely on Chicago's defense as a sound fantasy stream in Week 6, officially ranking as RotoBaller's D/ST11
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chicago Bears Defense Looks to Keep Packers in Check
The Chicago Bears D/ST will carry a strong string of recent success into Sunday's divisional clash with the Green Bay Packers. After yielding 37 points to the Panthers in Week 1, the unit has been lights out, allowing a combined 28 points to the Vikings, Eagles, and Jets. Furthermore, no quarterback has thrown for more than 153 yards over that stretch. Chicago ranks top-four in points per game allowed (16.3) and sits in the top 12 with six total takeaways (three INTs). In terms of their matchup, the Packers are one of the league's worst scoring teams (18.3) and tie for fifth with six giveaways. The Bears have done a great job of limiting opposing passing attacks while generating enough turnovers to provide a strong fantasy floor. The unit ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST9 for the week ahead.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chicago Bears Defense Draws Favorable Week 4 Spot
The Chicago Bears D/ST is an intriguing fantasy stream in Week 4 when they take on the visiting New York Jets. Chicago's defense was a sieve in Week 1, yielding 37 points and nearly 500 total yards (478) on the road to the Panthers. Since then, though, the unit has allowed a mere 16 points combined to the Eagles and Vikings. Quarterback Geno Smith and the Jets have played well so far, ranking thirteenth (329) and seventeenth (21.3) in yards and points per game, respectively. That said, New York will be without its RB1 in Breece Hall (quad), and also missing wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) and tight end Mason Taylor (thumb) - softening the outlook of what's been a capable offense. There is some risk here, but owners in a pinch for a high-upside stream can look to Chicago in an advantageous spot. The unit ranks as RotoBaller's D/ST8 for Week 4.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chicago's D/ST Worthy of Consideration Versus Panthers
The Chicago Bears' D/ST is a recommended fantasy option for Week 1 when they take on the Carolina Panthers on the road. For what it's worth, the Bears' defense was one of the worst in terms of yards (fourth-most) and points (tenth-most) allowed per game in 2025. However, the unit also forced the league's most turnovers (33), while the team as a whole had the best differential (+22). This Sunday, they'll face an advantageous matchup against a Panthers offense that scored the sixth-fewest points per game last season (19). This matchup isn't without risk, as Chicago's weakness against the ground game aligns with Carolina's strength. Still, Bryce Young's inconsistencies should leave the door open for an opportunistic Bears defense to make field-flipping plays. As it stands, the unit is a fringey top option, landing as RotoBaller's D/ST12 ahead of the favorable outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bears' "Sole Focus" is on Building New Stadium in Indiana
Chicago Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren said the organization's "sole focus in this point in time" is building a new stadium and development in Hammond, Indiana, according to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic. Sites for the new stadium are still being explored, though, and conversations with the state of Illinois continue. The Bears' new stadium search has now been ongoing for around five years after the announced plans in September of 2021 to purchase the 326-acre Arlington Park property in northwest suburban Arlington Heights, the former site of Arlington International Racecourse. The sale was finalized in 2023, but the following year, Warren and team officials held a press conference announcing a proposal to build a new stadium on the lakefront in Chicago, just south of Soldier Field. Stadium discussions stalled in the city and suburbs, which led to Indiana lawmakers stepping up their efforts to entice the Bears to move over state lines to Northwest Indiana.
Source: The Athletic - Jonathan Jones
Source: The Athletic - Jonathan Jones
Coby Bryant Will Miss 4-6 Months After Knee Surgery
Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant (knee) underwent surgery and is expected to miss four to six months, head coach Ben Johnson told Courtney Cronin of ESPN. The team initially expected him to miss up to eight weeks, so a revised four-to-six-month timeline is extremely unfortunate for the Bears and their prized defensive back. Bryant left the Seahawks in free agency this past offseason, signing a three-year deal with Chicago worth $40 million. He tallied seven interceptions over the last two seasons and was supposed to fill a major starting role following the departure of safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Instead, Bryant is now at risk of missing the entire regular season, leaving more opportunities for Elijah Hicks (calf), who is currently on the PUP list.
Source: Courtney Cronin
Source: Courtney Cronin
Dillon Thieneman Could Become Key Talent in Bears Secondary Right Away
Chicago Bears rookie first-round safety Dillon Thieneman has shown speed, instincts, versatility, aggressiveness, and passion during offseason workouts and is a long-term building block for the Bears' defense, according to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. Thieneman could pair nicely with newcomer Coby Bryant to help improve Chicago's secondary in 2026 and beyond. The Bears didn't think that the 21-year-old would be available with the 25th overall pick in the first round back in April, but when he was, general manager Ryan Poles pounced. Thieneman spent his third and final collegiate season in 2025 at the University of Oregon and had 96 combined tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss in 15 games played for the Ducks. He is an elite athlete who could quickly become a fantasy-relevant IDP safety as a ball hawk for the Bears' secondary.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
