The Chicago Bears are coming off a successful 2025 season, having won the NFC North and advanced to the playoffs. As they prepare for the 2026 season, they face a schedule featuring 12 games against opponents with winning records or playoff appearances from the previous year. However, Colin Cowherd from FOX Sports believes this schedule isn't as daunting as many claim, pointing out they won't face any teams coming off a bye week and have favorable matchups surrounding challenging games.

By the Numbers
  • The Bears will play 12 games against 2025 playoff teams or teams with a winning record.
  • Caleb Williams, the star quarterback, faces challenges after losing top receiver D.J. Moore but retains promising rookies like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
Yes, But

While Cowherd argues against the severity of the Bears' schedule, the fact remains they are still expected to face formidable competition. Balancing the ease of their schedule with the addition of new defensive players like Coby Bryant and Tremaine Edmunds introduces a complexity to their potential success in 2026.

State of Play
  • The Bears will open their season at the Carolina Panthers, followed by three consecutive home games.
  • Key matchups include a challenging game against the Seattle Seahawks after a short week recovering from facing the Patriots.
What's Next

As the 2026 season approaches, the Bears' performance against high-caliber teams and their ability to integrate new signings will be crucial. A successful start could set a positive tone, while early struggles might heighten scrutiny on their schedule's perceived difficulty.

Bottom Line

Expectations for the Bears hinge on balancing roster improvements with the challenges of a tough schedule. Despite Colin Cowherd's take on its manageability, the team must prove they can handle adversity in a competitive landscape.