The Chicago Bears have made headlines this season with a surprising 4-2 record, but their path to continued success is fraught with challenges. According to recent rankings from Pro Football Network, the Bears face the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL. This daunting slate is largely due to the competitiveness within the NFC North, where all four teams currently hold records above .500.
As the Bears move forward, they’ll encounter several critical matchups that will test their resilience and skill. They still have two games each against division rivals Minnesota Vikings (5-0) and Detroit Lions (4-1), as well as one against the Green Bay Packers (4-2). These games will serve as a litmus test, determining whether the Bears can maintain their momentum or if they will struggle against formidable opponents.
Following their bye week, the Bears will kick off their next game against the NFC East-leading Washington Commanders on October 27. This matchup will set the tone for the remainder of the season, especially as the Bears are also slated for some seemingly easier games against the Arizona Cardinals (2-4) and the New England Patriots (1-5). However, these soft spots in the schedule could be deceiving, as any NFL team can pose a threat on any given Sunday.
The real test begins as the Bears dive into a stretch of three consecutive divisional games. They will host the Packers on November 17, which always carries high stakes, especially in a rivalry steeped in history. Just a week later, they will face the Vikings at home on November 24, which will be crucial for playoff positioning.
But the Bears won’t have much time to breathe. After these home games, they will embark on a challenging road trip that includes a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Lions in Detroit, followed by trips to San Francisco (3-3) and Minnesota. These away games will not only test the Bears’ physical endurance but also their mental toughness as they face hostile crowds and the pressure of high-stakes competition.
As the season progresses, the Bears’ schedule doesn’t get any easier. They will close out their season with two critical home games against the Lions on December 22 and the Seattle Seahawks (3-3) on December 26, followed by a road game against the Packers for the season finale on January 5. Adding it all together, nine of their final eleven games are against teams currently at or above .500. This highlights the uphill battle they face as they strive for a playoff berth.
The Bears’ impressive start may mask underlying issues, prompting questions about whether their record is a true reflection of their capabilities. If rookie quarterback Caleb Williams can harness the talent around him and elevate his game, there may still be hope for a playoff appearance—the Bears’ first since 2020. However, navigating this grueling schedule will require consistency, resilience, and perhaps a bit of luck.
Ultimately, the next few weeks will be pivotal for the Bears. They must prove that their strong start wasn’t just a flash in the pan, but rather the beginning of a competitive resurgence in the NFC North. Fans will be watching closely to see how this young team handles the pressure of their challenging schedule and whether they can turn their early-season success into a meaningful playoff run.
