With their 11-6 record, the Chicago Bears reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020 in 2025. By advancing to the Divisional Round, the Bears secured their first postseason victory since 2010.
While momentum is now on Chicago's side, they will now enter the 2026 season with a target on their back. Quarterback Caleb Williams is developing into the No. 1 pick he was expected to be. Head coach Ben Johnson has proven to be an offensive mastermind. And while the defense has holes, they know how to force turnovers better than anyone in the league.
But the Bears must prove 2025 wasn't a fluke. Chicago wants to retain their spot atop the NFC North. Now that their 2026 schedule has been revealed, the franchise knows exactly what their regular season journey will look like.
Between injuries and players breaking out, or in turn flopping, each team on the schedule – including the Bears – is sure to look different coming into Week 18. But at least entering the 2026 campaign, Chicago knows what to expect.
Week 1: @ Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Bears were able to land Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in part due to their trade with the Carolina Panthers. But in turn, the Panthers found their quarterback in Bryce Young. All eyes will be on both in the 2026 opener.
Carolina, like Chicago, won their division and made the playoffs in 2025. However, the Bears are entering the season with a more complete team and will begin the year with a victory.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 1-0)
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Any NFC North matchup will be pivotal, even if it falls early in the season. The biggest question for both Minnesota Vikings matchups will be, who is playing quarterback?
Early on, it should be free agent signee Kyler Murray. But the Bears will take advantage of him still learning the intricacies of Minnesota's offense and open the year 2-0.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 2-0)
Week 3: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Bears got the best of the Eagles in Week 15 of the 2025 season. However, Philadelphia should be a much different team in 2026. This is a team that won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago.
Come playoff time, Chicago and Philadelphia may meet up again. But the latter will come out victorious in Week 3.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 2-1)
Week 4: vs. New York Jets
Their Week 4 matchup will give the Bears a bit of a reprieve. The New York Jets look like a much more improved team following their 2026 NFL Draft.
However, this is still an offense led by quarterback Geno Smith. The Bears should be heavily favored in this one barring something unforeseen.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 3-1)
Week 5: @ Green Bay Packers
The first matchup in the 2026 version of Chicago's most storied rivalry will take place in Week 5. Williams and company will try to take over Lambeau Field.
But like in 2025, that proved to be difficult. It'll be a hard fought battle, but the Bears will come up just short.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 3-2)
Week 6: @ Atlanta Falcons
The Bears get their first look at Ian Cunningham's new team in Week 6 on the road. It's unclear who will be playing quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons by then, Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa.
Regardless, the Bears should be able to take advantage. And flex their own offensive muscle in victory.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 4-2)
Week 7: vs. New England Patriots
The Williams vs. Drake Maye quarterback battle will steal all the headlines. But the clash between the Bears' pass rush and the New England Patriots' offense will be the true X-factor.
By Week 7, the Patriots will have their O-line issues settled if they want to be Super Bowl contenders. Because of that, they'll get the edge – no pun intended – in Week 7.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 4-3)
Week 8: @ Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) prepares to snap the ball to quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Facing off against the defending Super Bowl champions, this game will be a real test for the Bears. New safety Coby Bryant is well aware of how strong the Seattle Seahawks are.
Like the Eagles, this could be a different story in the playoffs. But on the road, it'll be too difficult a test for Chicago.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 4-4)
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to reclaim their NFC South throne. Even without Mike Evans, a Baker Mayfield-led offense will still be scary foe.
Still, the Bears will be desperate for a win after two straight losses. In front of their home fans, Chicago will get back on track before the bye.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 5-4)
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: vs. New Orleans Saints
The Bears' NFC South journey ends in Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints. Their opponents have gone all-in on Tyler Shough as their starting QB.
But the Saints are still building their roster under head coach Kellen Moore. The Bears should be able to take care of business.
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Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 6-4)
Week 12: @ Detroit Lions
Johnson vs. the Detroit Lions will be a storyline until perhaps the end of the time. In 2025, the Lions got the bet of the Bears in both of their matchups.
Detroit will be fighting to get back into the playoffs in 2026. They'll get the best of Chicago at home.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 6-5)
Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have found their leader in head coach Liam Coen. How he continues to develop quarterback will be key for Jacksonville to find success.
The Jags made the playoffs in 2025 and will be a more fearsome foe than some may expect. But at home, the Bears will manage to out-offense their opponent and get back in the win column.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 7-5)
Week 14: @ Miami Dolphins
Like their Jets matchup, the Bears should be heavily favored in this matchup. Even on the road, this will be a game Chicago must win if they wanna be real playoff contenders.
To the Miami Dolphins' credit, new QB Malik Willis has given the Bears fits in the past. But it won't be enough in Week 14.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 8-5)
Week 15: @ Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills will poise one of the Bears' toughest matchups in 2026, especially on the road. By this point of the season, it'll be a clash between two teams trying to clinch their playoff spot.
Don't be surprised if DJ Moore scores in this one. Buffalo's offense will just get the better of Chicago's defense for the win.
Prediction: Loss (Overall Record: 8-6)
Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers
This will be a must-win game for the Bears for a number of reasons. First, they have to defend Soldier Field against their most bitter rivals. Secondly, this game should have major playoff implications for both teams.
The Bears beat the Packers in both their matchups at Soldier Field in 2025. With the pressure on and their backs against the wall, Chicago will do the same in 2026.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 9-6)
Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions
If the Johnson vs. Lions battle is to go on forever, then the Bears coach will eventually have to get a win. And with the possibility for playoff glory and getting a major monkey off his back, Johnson will come through.
The Bears will have momentum having two crucial NFC North games at home. They'll use that to their advantage in Week 17.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record: 10-6)
Week 18: @ Minnesota Vikings
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) following a game at U.S. Bank Stadium
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
This circumstances around this game change completely where Chicago stands. If their playoff spot is clinched, they may opt to rest their starts on the road, which could lead to a Vikings win.
But if this game determines if the Bears are in the playoffs or not, Chicago will do anything in their power to win. If 10 wins isn't enough, the Bears will clinch their postseason berth in Week 18.
Prediction: Win (Overall Record 11-6)
Final Record: 11-6, in playoffs
With their 11-6 record, the Chicago Bears reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020 in 2025. By advancing to the Divisional Round, the Bears secured their first postseason victory since 2010. While momentum is now on Chicago's side, they will now enter the 2026 season with a target on their back.