Chicago Bears Make Big Move In 2026 Super Bowl Odds After Jeffery Simmons Trade

Jeffery Simmons’ move to the Chicago Bears has improved the team’s Super Bowl odds ahead of the 2026 .© X/@espn

Chicago had already shown it could put points on the board, but its defense needed something more than another good performance from the offense. The front office responded by making one of the biggest moves of the season, bringing Jeffery Simmons over from the Tennessee Titans. The price was steep, with two first-round picks going the other way. However, the move quickly changed how sportsbooks viewed the Bears' championship chances, putting them closer to the NFL's leading contenders.

Chicago Bears climb Super Bowl odds after Jeffery Simmons deal

The impact of the trade showed up almost immediately in the betting market. According to FOX Sports, Chicago's Super Bowl LXI odds improved from +1400 to +1100 at DraftKings Sportsbook, placing the team alongside the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. The Bears moved into a tie for sixth on the latest oddsboard.

The Athletic reported an even bigger shift at BetMGM, where Chicago climbed to the fourth-shortest odds at +1100, behind the San Francisco 49ers (+550), Buffalo Bills (+600) and Kansas City Chiefs (+900).

The Movement was unusual for a defensive player. Sportsbooks rarely adjust championship futures after one defensive addition, but Simmons offered Chicago something it had lacked up front.

Borgata sportsbook director Thomas Gable explained the reasoning to The Athletic, saying the Bears already had one of the league's top offenses. If Simmons helped repair the defense, Chicago could become a serious playoff threat in a crowded NFC.

DraftKings shortened Chicago's NFC championship odds from +810 to +750, its NFC North odds from +315 to +285 and its chances of finishing with the league's best record from +1400 to +1200.

Jeffery Simmons gives Chicago Bears defense a major boost

The numbers behind Simmons' arrival explained why Chicago was willing to surrender two first-round selections. 

Since the start of 2025, he had led all defensive tackles in sacks (15), tackles for loss (23), quick pressures (31) and third-down sacks (9.5). His 85 total pressures were tied for the most at his position.

His ability to draw attention from multiple blockers could benefit the entire defensive front. The Athletic's Austin Mock rated Simmons as the second-best defensive tackle in football and estimated that his arrival had lifted Chicago's playoff chances to 77%.

The Bears entered the deal with a 5-2 record, sitting second in the NFC North behind the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. Their next test offered an early chance to see what the expensive addition could bring.

Chicago prepared to face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, with both teams having made major moves before the game. Seattle remained a three-point favorite at home despite the Bears' improved championship odds.