Syndication: Detroit Free Press Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Chicago Bears have concern before schedule release

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 12, 2025 9:10 AM ET

The NFL will release the full 2025 schedule on Wednesday, and the Chicago Bears have serious reasons to be concerned about how their schedule will be played in the upcoming season.

As of Monday morning, one game is known for 2025. The Philadelphia Eagles will kick off the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4. More games are expected to be “leaked” before Wednesday, and the picture for Chicago should become clear even before 7 p.m. CST, when the schedule is officially released.

Chicago Bears opponents in 2025

Syndication: Detroit Free Press Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

The Bears will play the following teams at home: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints.

Chicago will face the following teams on the road: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bears have a grueling schedule

NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp =Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson walks the field during rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

That’s a tough schedule, and promises to become more challenging if/when Aaron Rodgers signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Going off of record last season, the Bears are tied with the Detroit Lions for playing opponents with the highest combined winning percentage. Bears and Lions opponents went a combined 165-124 (.571).

Only the New York Giants (.574) have a more daunting schedule based on records from 2024.

That means the schedule release will be significant for the Bears this week. Chicago needs a favorable bye week. They’re also hoping not to have to play teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Lions, and Baltimore Ravens in successive weeks.

How the NFL schedules the Bears could play a role in how many games the team can win in new head coach Ben Johnson’s first season.

Given the excitement surrounding Johnson and Caleb Williams, one would expect the league to give Chicago some extra night games, and that could mean tough back-to-back games as the league hypes primetime matchups.

NFL: Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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