The NFL’s toughest schedule quickly became one of the league’s biggest storylines following the 2026 schedule release, with the Chicago Bears drawing major attention. Chicago’s 2026 opponents combined for a .550 winning percentage last season, giving the Bears the NFL’s most difficult projected schedule as expectations continue rising around the franchise.
The Bears enter the season with considerable momentum after winning the NFC North and defeating the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round during the 2025-2026 postseason. With a talented roster and growing confidence, many around the league view Chicago as a legitimate NFC contender. However, the demanding schedule could ultimately determine whether the team is truly ready to compete for a Super Bowl as Caleb Williams enters his third season at quarterback.
Chicago faces a total of eight games vs. teams that reached the NFL playoffs last season, including several difficult road matchups. The Bears travel to Lambeau Field in Week 5 before another major test later in the year against the Buffalo Bills. Their schedule also includes games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and New England Patriots.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport discussed the Bears' difficult road ahead during an appearance on “The Insiders” before sharing the clip on X, formerly Twitter, where reactions quickly spread.
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“From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork : The #Bears have the toughest schedule, by the numbers. What that means for them…”
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Bears have the toughest schedule, by the numbers. What that means for them… pic.twitter.com/5VgWMzABkN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2026
Rapoport also questioned whether the team is ready to take on such a demanding schedule over the course of the season, noting there is still plenty to learn about the Bears and whether they are capable of withstanding such a brutal slate of games.
If the Bears successfully navigate the league’s toughest projected schedule, Chicago could strengthen its status as one of the NFL’s most serious Super Bowl contenders entering the 2026-2027 postseason while establishing itself among the league’s elite teams heading into the playoffs.
The NFL’s toughest schedule quickly became one of the league’s biggest storylines following the 2026 schedule release, with the Chicago Bears drawing major attention. Chicago’s 2026 opponents combined for a . 550 winning percentage last season, giving the Bears the NFL’s most difficult projected schedule as expectations continue rising around the franchise.