Chicago Bears’ 2026 schedule presents a major challenge

The Chicago Bears are the NFC North champions in 2025. And that’s a heavy crown to wear when it comes to next year’s opponents.

The Bears aren’t used to this treatment. Instead, Chicago has been the NFC North’s most consistent cellar dweller in recent years. Now, with Ben Johnson at the helm and Caleb Williams breaking team records, it’s time to recalibrate our view of this team.

The NFL schedule makers certainly have.

The Chicago Bears’ complete list of opponents in 2026 has been released. And, you guessed it: the Bears have the NFL’s most difficult strength of schedule next year.

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Most NFL teams will indeed look completely different once free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft arrive, and a team that looks tough (or like a pushover) now could flip the narrative after a few splash moves.

Just look at the Bears as an example. There’s no doubt that fans of opposing teams gave their squad a ‘W’ last year this time after seeing Chicago on their schedule.

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The opposite is true, too. The Kansas City Chiefs? The Baltimore Ravens? How about the Washington Commanders?

All of those teams represented tough matchups last year this time. And none of them are in the 2025 playoffs.

Still, it’s worth underlining that the Chicago Bears’ 2025 success means future seasons will only get more challenging. The Bears have a target on their back. And that’s a good thing; it means the franchise is finally doing something right.

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