Before we get started, I know a lot of fans are going to be tired of all the talk about high expectations that always start up this time of year for the Chicago Bears.

Every year, the Bears receive glowing reviews about what this team can become and every time they succeed in disappointing everyone, but it does feel like things can finally be different in 2025 with the recent decisions made by this organization.

The most important one was hopefully getting the two most important pieces of the team aligned at head coach and quarterback. The Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams combination is already providing a lot of excitement for 2025, but it doesn't matter unless the two can show consistent success on the field.

"Our career here is gonna be important," Williams said after Johnson was hired. "It starts with Ben… Once we figure out exactly what his rules are and how everything goes, how it needs to be run, it bleeds into the players, and then from there it's in the locker room and now we have to take it and run with it from there. Keep leaning on each other. Keep growing and progressing."

On Friday, a whole crew of ESPN experts joined together to predict the 2025 season and multiple of those experts are expecting to see a step in the right direction in Chicago with the new staff coming in to lead the existing players on the roster.

The main breakout predictions centered around the Bears' top two draft picks in 2024, Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, and what the addition of Johnson could bring for both players.

The two have developed quite the relationship already and one that will continue to blossom for many years to come in Chicago.

For Odunze, the breakout opportunity will be an easier path given the uptick of looks he can receive in Johnson's new system and with a much higher role in the offense as a whole in his second season.

"Under Ben Johnson, I expect Odunze to elevate his game as a three-level target for quarterback Caleb Williams. And with Keenan Allen likely heading to free agency, Odunze will see a bump in volume as the No. 2 opposite DJ Moore." – ESPN's Matt Bowen

Compared to the rest of the rookie class, many were disappointed in the ninth-overall pick's production, but that's not looking at the entire picture. Odunze still managed to record over 50 receptions and 700 yards as the team's #3 wide receiver. Next season will be a better look of what his long-term projection could be with the Bears.

As for Williams, the breakout opportunity comes up-front. Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times and Johnson has already addressed the importance of overhauling the protection for his new quarterback.

Even with all the turmoil stemming from a ever-changing offensive staff and a leaky offensive front, Williams turned in one of the best seasons this franchise has ever seen from a quarterback. There should be plenty of optimism he takes a major step in 2025.

"If the Bears improve their offensive line, I expect Williams to have the season we all thought he would in 2024, pushing himself into the same conversation as Jayden Daniels. Johnson will coach him harder and free him up so he feels ownership of the offense." – ESPN's Kalyn Kahler

Clearly, the Chicago Bears and their young, rising offensive stars seem to have a lot of high expectations once again going into the offseason, but will they be able to live up to them this time around remains to be the question.

Bears WR Rome Odunze was given an enticing offseason offer that could help him in a big way going into his second NFL season

This could be great for his development.