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Bears Draw NFL’s Toughest 2026 Schedule, Putting Their Rise to the Test

The league’s hardest slate could decide if Chicago’s 2025 surge translates into real Super Bowl contention.

Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks downfield against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the NFL shield logo on a lectern in a press conference room during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Overview

  • Chicago faces the NFL’s top projected strength of schedule based on opponents’ .550 winning rate, a hurdle highlighted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
  • The Bears enter 2026 as an NFC contender under coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams after winning the division and a playoff game last season.
  • The home slate features the Vikings on September 20, the Eagles on Monday night September 28, the Patriots on October 22, the Packers on December 25, and the Lions on January 3, 2027.
  • Eight games come against last season’s playoff teams and a midyear run stacks back-to-back meetings with the Super Bowl participants before Tampa Bay, a stretch flagged as the biggest risk.
  • Chicago added Coby Bryant, Devin Bush, Neville Gallimore and Kalif Raymond for depth, yet the defense remains under scrutiny after 33 takeaways but 361.8 yards allowed per game.