The Chicago Bears fan base did not enjoy getting the 2026 schedule, as it is filled with traps and tough matchups against the best teams in the NFL.
It will be the biggest test the Bears have had in a long time as they try to navigate through the ups and downs of a schedule that includes the NFC North, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. While speaking about the chances of the Bears repeating as NFC North champions on ESPN's Get Up, former NFL executive and now one of the network's analysts, Mike Tannenbaum, made an interesting note about the team.
"You know what's tricky about the Bears? They may be a better team with a worse record," Tannenbaum said
Bears might be worse with the record, but still one of the top NFL teams
Many early predictions are that the Bears could go 9-8 this season, which might cost the team a playoff spot, given that both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings went 9-8 and missed the playoffs. The hope is that the Bears can manage at least 10 wins just to give themselves a shot at the playoffs.
Chicago's roster, in most ways, did get better, with the secondary getting younger and more athletic thanks to the additions of safeties Coby Bryant and rookie first-round pick Dillon Thieneman. The offense, despite losing Pro Bowler Drew Dalman to retirement and DJ Moore via trade, is still in a really good spot with young talent all over the place.
Read more: 4 Bears players who can turn OTAs into a personal launchpad
This is not going to be an easy season for the Bears, and they will be tested early and often, but if they can manage through it all and make the postseason, Chicago could be a very dangerous team in the playoffs.
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