It's not your imagination: the Bears' remaining schedule is a beast

Chicago Bears It's not your imagination: the Bears' remaining schedule is a beast If the Chicago Bears hope to make the playoffs, they're going to have to earn it through an absolute gauntlet of a finishing schedule By James Neveau • Published November 10, 2026 • Updated on November 10, 2026 at 12:27 pm The Chicago Bears are coming off a grueling run of games against some of the NFL’s best defenses, but things won’t get any easier after their bye week. In fact, there’s pretty conclusive proof they have the hardest remaining schedule in the entire NFL. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE According to Tankathon’s calculations, the Bears have by far the NFL’s hardest remaining strength of schedule, with their eight remaining opponents carrying a combined win percentage of .631. The NFC North’s incredible performance so far this season is driving that mark, as all four of the teams would currently be in the NFL playoffs if the season were to end today. They have battled each other hard in the early going of the season, but the four NFC North teams have also been blasting the rest of the league, putting up a combined record of 20-4 in games against non-divisional foes. For the Bears, they still have four games remaining this season against their NFC North rivals, including two games against the Detroit Lions, a road game against the Minnesota Vikings and a home game against the Green Bay Packers. In total, the Bears have six games remaining against teams that are currently in playoff position, including those four divisional contests. They will also have a home game against the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars, and a pivotal December road game against the AFC-leading Buffalo Bills. The two lone respites in the Bears’ schedule are the New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins. The Saints game will be the first for the Bears out of their bye week, but then they’ll immediately have to hit the road a few days later to take on the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Local Health & Wellness 1 hour ago The Vaccine Divide: Immunization rates plummet as exemptions rise Batavia 1 hour ago Suburban chiropractor sentenced to 60 years after secretly recording kids undressing Here is the team’s full schedule, including an absolute gauntlet at the end of the season. Sunday, Nov. 22: vs. New Orleans Thursday, Nov. 26: at Detroit Sunday, Dec. 6: vs. Jacksonville Sunday, Dec. 13: at Miami Saturday, Dec. 19: at Buffalo Friday, Dec. 25: vs. Green Bay Sunday, Jan. 3: vs. Detroit TBD: at Minnesota For fans keeping an eye on the division standings, there is a bit of a silver lining, since their divisional foes all have really hard schedules as well. The Packers have the second-hardest schedule in the league down the stretch, including games against Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions are third in that category, with games against the Giants and Patriots, and the Vikings are sixth, including a game against the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers. Those tough tests won’t be easy for the Bears, but they are coming off of consecutive wins over last season’s two Super Bowl teams in the Seahawks and Patriots, and they also have a win in their pockets over the Buccaneers, who have the league’s most ferocious run defense. The Bears will resume their season on November 22 at Soldier Field against the Saints. This article tagged under: Chicago Bears