Ranking the Bears’ toughest games in 2026
The Bears earned a harder, first-place schedule after winning the NFC North last season. Here is a ranking of the 2026 Bears games from hardest to easiest.
1. at Seahawks, Week 8
When: 7:15 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2
Playing the defending Super Bowl champion is always going to be hard. Having to do it in Seattle in front of a national audience will make it the toughest contest the Bears play this season, as they play in the middle of three straight national showcases.
2. at Packers, Week 5
When: 3:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
All three of last year’s matchups against the Packers came down to the wire. That should be the case once again in an electric NFC North game where the Bears will try to get revenge at Lambeau Field after last year’s loss. Oh, and that could be around the time Packers linebacker Micah Parsons returns from injury.
3. at Bills, Week 15
When: 7:20 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19
Traveling to play Buffalo is one of the toughest tasks in the NFL. The AFC-contending Bills should have an electric crowd in their new stadium, while the Bears will have to adjust to the cold weather after playing in Miami the previous week.
4. at Lions, Week 12
When: noon Thursday, Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving)
Chicago’s trip to Ford Field couldn’t have gone worse last season. Johnson and the Bears will try to get revenge after getting swept by the Lions last year.
5. vs. Patriots, Week 7
When: 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
The defending AFC champion Patriots should provide a nice test at Soldier Field midway through the season. It will pit Caleb Williams against Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, both top-three selections in the 2024 draft.
6. vs. Packers, Week 16
When: noon Friday, Dec. 25 (Christmas)
Last year’s wins over the Packers at Soldier Field were unforgettable for fans. Chicago will try to make more memories as it starts a final three-game stretch against NFC North rivals.
7. vs. Eagles, Week 3
When: 7:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28
The Bears started to earn national attention after last year’s primetime win over the Eagles on Black Friday. Philadelphia will try to return the favor this time around.
8. vs. Lions, Week 17
When: 3:25 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 3
Detroit played spoiler in last year’s regular-season finale at Soldier Field when it beat Chicago. The Bears face an important NFC North matchup at home toward the end of the season.
9. vs. Jaguars, Week 13
When: Noon Sunday, Dec. 6
Jacksonville was one of the NFL’s unexpected success stories last season. The Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be a good test to start the final month of the season.
10. at Vikings, Week 18
When: TBD
U.S. Bank Stadium is a tough place to play, regardless of how good the Vikings are. Williams and the Bears proved they could do it last year and will try again, with potentially a lot riding on the season finale.
11. at Panthers, Week 1
When: Noon Sunday, Sept. 13
Carolina made the playoffs at 8-9 and almost pulled off an upset against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card. This should be a fun matchup between Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Williams, two former No. 1 overall picks.
12. vs. Vikings, Week 2
When: Noon Sunday, Sept. 20
This game could move up in the rankings depending on how quickly Minnesota figures out its quarterback situation during training camp. Chicago will try to get revenge for last year’s season-opening loss.
13. at Falcons, Week 6
When: Noon Sunday, Oct. 18
Atlanta is under new leadership with former Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham as GM. The Falcons might be in transition and offer the Bears a good chance to pick up a road win.
14. vs. Buccaneers, Week 9
When: 7:20 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
Tampa Bay missed reaching the playoffs at 8-9 last season on a tiebreaker. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will be a good test for the Bears’ defense at home as they end three straight games on national TV in 18 days.
15. vs. Saints, Week 11
When: Noon Sunday, Nov. 22
Last year’s matchup at Soldier Field was closer than the Bears wanted. A year later, this matchup should offer Chicago a good chance to pick up a win before a critical final month.
16. at Dolphins, Week 14
When: Noon Sunday, Dec. 13
Miami isn’t expected to have a good season, as it started its rebuild this offseason. This will be the Bears’ easiest road game of the year, although they’ll have to avoid the distractions of Miami and adjust to the heat.
17. vs. Jets, Week 4
When: Noon Sunday, Oct. 4
The Jets should be improved after adding talent to their roster this offseason. But this should be a game where the Bears take care of business at Soldier Field early in the season.