The Bears have the second-most difficult schedule based on their opponents’ winning percentage in 2024. Some of this is due to the Lions, Vikings, and Packers all having 11+ wins last year, and the Bears play each of them twice.

Chicago was also given five standalone games this year. Week 1 against Minnesota on Monday Night Football, Week 6 against Washington on Monday Night Football, Week 13 against Philadelphia on Black Friday, Week 16 against Green Bay as the second installment of a double header, and Week 17 against San Francisco on Sunday Night Football.

Of the 14 unique teams the Bears play, seven of them made the playoffs in 2024. This schedule is far from easy, but it will provide insight into whether the Bears are ready to take the next step to becoming a playoff team.

Notable Matchups

Week 1 vs Vikings

Naturally, the opening game of the year will be a big one. Ben Johnson will be making his head coaching debut, and this will also be J.J. McCarthy‘s first career start in the NFL. The Bears will hope to create some noise on the national stage and start the year off with a win.

Week 2 @ Lions

The Ben Johnson revenge game. Johnson will face his former team on the road in what should be a fantastic matchup. Detroit and its fans will most certainly bring their A-game, so the Bears need to be ready for whatever punches come their way.

Week 6 @ Commanders

The rematch of the “Hail Mary” game from last year. The Bears had barely come back to take the lead in a defensive slug-fest, but some poor coaching on Chicago’s side allowed Washington to get within striking distance for a prayer. Unfortunately for the Bears, it was answered, and Caleb Williams’ first career game-winning drive would have to wait. We also get to see round two of Williams vs Daniels, which should provide more fireworks than last year.

Week 12 vs Steelers

This may be a stretch, but if Aaron Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, this will be a game to watch. Rodgers’ first game back at Soldier Field without rocking the green and yellow jersey. Will he still own the Bears, or is Williams able to silence that for good?

Weeks 14 and 16 vs the Packers

What is a schedule release without immediately circling the Bears/Packers matchups? The Bears beat the Packers to end the 2024 season on a walk-off field goal by Cairo Santos. Green Bay will certainly be looking for revenge, but Chicago will hope to continue their momentum against the Lambeau Leapers. The fact that these two games will be played in a span of three weeks should also up the animosity between the two teams.

Week 18 vs Lions

The schedule makers must be putting some faith in the fact that this game may have some division or playoff standing implications. Like their first game, there will be some bad blood between these two teams, and with possibly a division title on the line too. Only time will tell if the game lives up to the hype.