Bears hit with devastating distinction before NFL schedule release

After making the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the Chicago Bears are looking to keep their seat at the postseason table. However, their 2026 schedule is already poising a difficult task.

Being in the NFC North, the Bears will have six difficult battles as is. But based on 2025-26 records, Chicago has the hardest strength of schedule for the upcoming season, via NFL’s X, formerly Twitter account.

Before the full schedule is released, take a look at each team's strength of schedule for 2026.

: NFL Schedule Release – Thursday at 8pm ET on ESPN/NFLN pic.twitter.com/eChBp3QMVa

— NFL (@NFL) May 11, 2026

Alongside the Green Bay Packers, the Bears are set to take on five other playoff teams in 2026. They’ll battle the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots at home and face the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks away. On paper, all matchups will give the Bears a difficult test.

Still, what the strength of schedule looks like at the beginning of the season may not be the case come playoff time. What teams looked like in 2025 may not be the case in 2026. Injuries and players improving and struggling will change how teams like. Just because a team made the playoffs in 2025 means they’ll reach the same heights in 2026.

That goes for the Bears as well. Head coach Ben Johnson was able to elevate quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense to a place the franchise hasn’t seen in a long time. While Chicago has all the moment and now sky high expectations, the duo must prove they can sustain offensive success.

That’ll be a more difficult task with Chicago’s upcoming schedule. But if the Bears want to prove they’re legit, they must take be willing to take on any opponent.

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