With the upcoming release of the 2025 NFL schedules, all 32 teams will find out when they play their 17 opponents for this season. The Chicago Bears have the second-toughest strength of schedule entering Week 1.
Nine of the Bears' opponents are in the top seven with them (NY Giants, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and the Minnesota Vikings). All four teams in the NFC North are in this tier.
Another three of Chicago's opponents are inside the top ten (Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and the Pittsburgh Steelers). Only two opponents (the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints) are in the bottom ten in terms of strength of schedule.
The Bears Are Most Likely to Upset the Steelers in 2025
The Monsters of the Midway are scheduled to play all four teams in the AFC North in addition to the NFC North. Between all eight teams, five of those squads had a winning record last year, while four of them qualified for the postseason.
Chicago was the only team in the NFC North to have a record under .500 and sit out at home during the playoffs. Despite Pittsburgh missing the playoffs in 2022, the AFC North juggernauts haven't had a losing season since 2003, when Bill Cowher was still their head coach.
The Steelers are primed to be an upset candidate. After all, the Bears do hold a lifetime record of 19-8-1 as they have won six of the last ten games against Pittsburgh.
Furthermore, Mike Tomlin's team has lost a number of players on offense. Both quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, have left Pittsburgh while running back Najee Harris bolted for the Chargers.
Recently, the Steelers traded away star wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh averaged just over 22 points a game last season. They are going to be hard pressed to produce at the same level with all of these changes on offense.
Pittsburgh will likely be rolling with the seasoned Mason Rudolph as their quarterback. The Bears' secondary has enough talent on their roster to give the five-year veteran fits downfield.
Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, and Kevin Byard combined for 223 total tackles, three sacks, and four interceptions. The Bears also added cornerback Zah Frazier in the fifth round of last month's NFL Draft.
In addition, Chicago improved their offense drastically, specifically up front. With upgrades made on their offensive line, second-year quarterback Caleb Williams should be better protected.
If they can prevent the likes of TJ Watt, Patrick Queen, Cameron Hayward, and rookie Jack Sawyer from getting to the Bears' quarterback, then this could be the upset that new head coach Ben Johnson needs on his resume during his first season with Chicago.