The Chicago Bears captured the NFC North title and advanced to the Divisional round in their inaugural 2025 season under Ben Johnson. Now they face a potentially tougher path to repeat.

The NFL released Chicago's 2026 regular season schedule Thursday, revealing 12 games against teams with winning records or playoff appearances from 2025. At first glance, the slate looks daunting.

But FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd sees through the hype.

The Schedule Isn't What It Seems

"I was told the toughest schedule in the NFL is the Chicago Bears. I don't see it. The Bears do not face any team off a bye. Not once. Secondly, look at the games before their toughest games. They'll either be a game before or after where they will be a significant favorite."

Cowherd's breakdown holds water. The Bears host the New York Jets in Week 4, immediately followed by a trip to Green Bay in Week 5. They then face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6 before taking on New England in Week 7. Their Week 15 matchup against Buffalo comes right after a Week 14 game against Miami.

The schedule clusters tough opponents with winnable matchups—a structural advantage often overlooked.

A Favorable Setup

Chicago opens on the road at Carolina, then hosts three consecutive home games against Minnesota, Philadelphia, and the Jets. Their toughest challenge—a trip to Seattle—follows a Thursday night home game against New England, giving the Bears extended rest from Thursday to Monday.

"I mean the first month alone, they get three home games. That's a nice start. Their toughest game is the game in Seattle against the Seahawks. But they even get a break there. They get extra rest from Thursday to Monday. The NFL, they want a Chicago Bears team that is in the news. It's no gauntlet."

Defensive Reinforcements

To handle the schedule's rigors, the Bears bolstered their defense this offseason, signing safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in free agency. They added Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with their first-round pick—moves designed to offset defensive losses.

Offense Remains Strong

Caleb Williams emerged as a star quarterback in his second season, establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone. While the Bears lost wide receiver D.J. Moore this offseason, tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III both flashed promise as rookies, providing legitimate receiving threats moving forward.