Following a brief holiday break, the results of the Reacts fan surveys have returned, revealing that Chicago Bears enthusiasts overwhelmingly remain optimistic about the franchise's future. After an impressive 98% confidence rating achieved post-December 20 victory against the Green Bay Packers, a subsequent loss to the San Francisco 49ers caused only a slight dip to 97%. This unwavering support stands in stark contrast to the season's low of 23% when the Bears held a (0-2) record, demonstrating a consistent and strong belief in the team's direction, with confidence levels consistently exceeding 92% since their win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The journey of fan confidence throughout the season offers a compelling narrative of the Bears' performance and its reception. Beginning with a significant surge to 92% after defeating the Bengals, the team's wins against the Giants, Vikings, Steelers, and Eagles each propelled the confidence rating upwards, reaching an impressive 99% at one point. Even a loss to the Packers saw confidence remain high at 96%, before climbing again to 98% after another victory against their divisional rivals. The recent dip to 97% following the 49ers loss signifies a resilient fanbase that largely trusts the team's long-term vision, even in the face of minor setbacks.
This steadfast belief extends to key figures within the organization. Fans are rallying behind their NFC North Champion Chicago Bears, head coach Ben Johnson, and quarterback Caleb Williams. Furthermore, general manager Ryan Poles, initially met with some skepticism, has seemingly won over many with his strategic moves. His ability to acquire players who seamlessly integrate into Johnson's coaching schemes has not gone unnoticed. Many observers believe Poles' astute decisions could earn him significant recognition, including potential votes for the 2025 Sporting News Executive of the Year Award, solidifying his position at Halas Hall for years to come.
A comparative look at fan sentiment across the NFC North division reveals just how strong the Bears' support base is. While Bears fans boast nearly unanimous confidence, their counterparts in Green Bay show only 21% confidence in their franchise's direction. Detroit fans exhibit slightly more optimism at 28%, and Minnesota Vikings fans are at 59%, though a notable 21% of them paradoxically hoped for a loss to improve their team's draft position. These contrasting figures underscore the unique and powerful surge of optimism currently permeating the Bears' fanbase, setting them apart in the competitive division.
As the season draws to a close, weekly emailed Reacts surveys continue to gauge fan expectations. The latest polls indicated that fans anticipate the Bears will triumph over the Detroit Lions in an upcoming Sunday game, a victory that would clinch the second seed in their conference. This forward-looking optimism highlights not just a belief in the team's current state but also its potential for future success and deep playoff runs. The strong fan engagement and positive outlook reflect a revitalized franchise poised for continued growth and achievement.