Chicago Bears dealt brutal schedule blow in 2026

Looking elsewhere around the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers fourth, as their opponents had a .538 winning percentage. The Minnesota Vikings are in 11th (.519) while the Detroit Lions have the easiest schedule in the division at 27th (.467).

Part of reason the Bears’ schedule is considered so tough is the fact they play in the NFC North. All four teams will be battling for a playoff spot in 2026. Furthermore, the fact they came out on top means they match up against other division’s top teams for standalone games.

Chicago can only control what they can control, they must play the teams in front of them. But the Bears preparation must be top notch knowing the battles the await.

Toughest non-NFC North games on Chicago Bears’ schedule

After opening the season against the Carolina Panthers and Vikings, the Bears will play host to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Two weeks later, they play the Packers for the first time.

Weeks 7-9 may be the toughest stretch on Chicago’s entire schedule. They play the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the bye week immediately after, the Bears will be able to see exactly where they stand.

In Week 13 the Bears will play the Jacksonville Jaguars and in Week 15 they’ll travel to take on the Buffalo Bills.

Weeks 16-18 features all NFC North matchups. At that stage of the season, each game could have serious playoff implications. But the Bears have to get their first.