Chicago Bears fans were dreading the idea of their team playing in 2026 because of the team's toughest schedule in the NFL.
When the schedule was released, it did look pretty bad, but many in the media have pointed out that it isn't as bad as expected. FOX Sports commentator Colin Cowherd has been one of them, defending the Bears' schedule and arguing the NFL did them a favor.
“So I was told the toughest schedule in the NFL is the Chicago Bears. I don’t see it. The Bears do not face any team off a bye. Not once. Secondly, look at the game before their toughest games. They'll either be a game before or after where they will be a significant favorite. I mean, the first month they get three home games. That's a nice start. Their toughest game is the game in Seattle against the Seahawks, but they even get a break there. They get extra rest Thursday to Monday. The NFL, they want a Chicago Bears team that is in the news. It's no gauntlet.”
Colin Cowherd doesn't think the Bears' schedule is that bad
The problem with the Bears' schedule is that they have to face so many of last year's good teams. A lot can change throughout the year that might make them easier, but most of their schedule has teams that either made the playoffs, had winning records, or both.
One massive advantage for the Bears is that they don't have to travel as far as most NFL teams do. They don't have an international trip and have nine home games, so they are already at a major advantage over other NFL teams.
It also helps that some seem to forget that, while Chicago has a young football team, it is still loaded with talent. They are a year older and more familiar with Bears head coach Ben Johnson's culture and schemes, so they know what to expect and will do a better job than they did in 2025, which still ended with an 11-6 record.
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The 2026 season is still going to be rough, but the Bears got some help from the NFL and look like they should find a way back in the postseason as long as they stay healthy and everything goes according to plan.
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