There has been a lot of attention on the Chicago Bears' 2026 schedule and how difficult it is when looking at last year's records. This is a big piece of why it has become a trendy take to point to Chicago as a team that is supposed to regress in the season ahead. The issue with this take is the fact that it ignores two factors that provide important context to the discussion. The first is the fact that the Bears are a young roster that should enjoy a leap from a number of important starters as development continues and there is a better understanding of Ben Johnson's offense in year two.
The second piece of this is looking at Pro Football Network's ranking and realizing that the schedule rankings are based on what happened a season ago. It is always the same story, and why fans put far too much weight into preseason schedule rankings that have no idea of what is going to happen in the year ahead.
Looking back at 2025, consider what happened to the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs that would have inflated this stat if scheduled, or on the opposite side, the New England Patriots, who were objectively a layup a season before breaking out and becoming an undeniable force.
Bears Fans Shouldn't be Concerns with Strength of Schedule Rankings
Chicago's schedule being ranked so highly in degree of difficulty simply isn't as important as it is being made out to be. The Bears' roster is incredibly talented and has built its core around young players who are all expected to take meaningful steps forward this season. Add in the expected regression from a handful of last season's contenders, and it isn't as much of an uphill battle as it might appear at first glance.
With that said, there is going to be a higher degree of difficulty not based on the schedule but on the Bears having established themselves as contenders. No longer are you going to be able to sneak up on teams; Chicago is going to get everyone's best shot, and that does create a tougher road, but this is a factor for any young team coming off a breakout season.
The schedule isn't going to prevent a stacked roster from reaching expectations. If anything, it has helped a clear contender have a reason to continue to embrace an underdog mentality. One that is going to be needed in a crowded NFC where the Bears will unquestionably be a deciding factor in.
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