Chicago Bears Face NFL's Toughest 2026 Schedule After Playoff-Adjacent 2025 Season

The Chicago Bears' offseason optimism is giving way to the reality of a demanding 2026 schedule, according to a report from ESPN.

ESPN reported that the Bears are slated to play eight games against teams that qualified for the 2025 NFL playoffs, a workload the outlet characterized as the toughest schedule in the league heading into the new season.

The report frames the upcoming slate as a significant test for Chicago after what the outlet described as a period of celebration following the team's 2025 season. ESPN did not provide a full list of specific opponents or dates in the excerpt reviewed.

The Bears will need to navigate this schedule as they aim to build on their recent performance, according to ESPN's reporting.