The Chicago Bears are projected to have the 6th hardest strength of schedule for the 2026 NFL season, following a successful 2025 season. They will face tougher opponents, including the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Eagles.
Key points
Bears projected to have 6th hardest schedule for 2026 NFL season
They will face teams like Jaguars, Seahawks, and Eagles
Bears had the 4th-easiest schedule in 2025
Chicago BearsJaguarsSeahawksEagles
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl LX football game against the New England Patriots, at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the NFL Super Bowl LX football game against the New England Patriots, at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29-13.(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An argument that has been made ad nauseum to undercut the Chicago Bearsā 2025 success was their seemingly easy strength of schedule. At the end of the 2025 season, the Bears finished with the 4th-easiest strength of schedule, based on opponent records, with a 0.458 win percentage. This ranked behind the Cowboys, Broncos, and Patriots ā who had a historically easy schedule with a win percentage against of 0.391.
Of course, after a successful season, the Bears are slated to play a first-place schedule, meaning they will play teams like the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Eagles rather than the Titans, Cardinals, and Giants (who the Lions will play).
To this end, Sharp Football Analysis has released the 2026 NFL Strength of Schedule based on Vegasā odds for each team. The Bears are slated as having the 6th hardest schedule ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season. This ranks behind the Cardinals, Dolphins, , Cowboys, and , who all have tougher projected schedules.
That means that the Bears will have the hardest schedule in their division with the Packers, Vikings, and Lions slotting at the 17th easiest, 16th easiest, and easiest schedules, respectively, in the league.
While this means the Bearsā road will be tougher this upcoming season, it doesnāt mean it will remain that way. You might recall that before the 2025 season, the Bears were projected to have the 3rd hardest schedule in the league. By the end of the year, they had the 4th easiest. A lot of this can be chalked up to simply beating your opponents and directly impacting their collective win percentage ā but it also suggests that these projections need to be taken with a grain of salt.
For instance ā one of the Bearsā opponents in 2025 was the led team in , a team that was expected to compete for their division. However, by the time the Bears entered Cincy, Burrow was on the sideline and old man Flacco was at the helm.
So look at this as a snapshot in time. At the moment, the Bears have a hard schedule. By the end of the year, national analysts could be decrying their success as being a result of how easy it was.
Q&A
What teams will the Chicago Bears face in the 2026 NFL season?
The Chicago Bears are set to play against teams like the Jaguars, Seahawks, and Eagles in the 2026 NFL season.
How does the Bears' 2026 strength of schedule compare to other teams?
The Bears have the 6th hardest schedule in the league, ranking behind the Cardinals, Dolphins, Panthers, Cowboys, and Rams.
What was the Bears' strength of schedule in 2025?
In 2025, the Bears finished with the 4th-easiest strength of schedule, based on opponent records.
Related Articles
NHLĀ·Preview
NHL player props: Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield among best bets for Wednesday's playoff games
Canadiens face Sabres in Game 1 of playoffs; Caufield among best bets!
CBS Sports HeadlinesĀ·Ā·1 min read
NBAĀ·Recap
Lakers' JJ Redick comments on Luka Doncic's latest injury update
Luka Doncic gives a grim injury update as Lakers face tough playoff odds.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
'Born to be winners' - How Jeglertz turned Man City into WSL champions
How Andree Jeglertz transformed Manchester City into WSL champions
Sky SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Recap
PSG ease past Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal
PSG secures Champions League final spot after 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich
Sky SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Recap
Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. both exit with injuries in Dodgers blowout of Astros
Tyler Glasnow and Lance McCullers Jr. exited a game due to injuries during the Dodgers' 12-2 victory over the Astros. Glasnow left with lower back pain after achieving his 1,000th career strikeout.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
NFL
Colts reaffirm commitment to Anthony Richardson Sr.
Colts show support for Anthony Richardson Sr. despite trade request.
