Fresh off an NFC North title, a revamped Chicago roster faces a grueling first-place schedule. We project how Ben Johnson’s squad handles early tests against Carolina and Minnesota.
The Chicago Bears are heading into the second year of the Ben Johnson era with plenty of momentum.
The Bears reached the playoffs, won an NFC North title, and hosted a playoff game at Soldier Field. All three of those things hadn't happened for many years.
Now, the franchise is in search of sustained success, and with that comes change.
Many starters from last year have departed. Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, D.J. Moore, Tremaine Edmunds and Drew Dalman are no longer with the team.
With their success, the Bears must now play a first-place schedule in 2026 after winning the NFC North.
Here is my official record prediction for this season:
Week 1: at Carolina Panthers
Much like the Bears, the Carolina Panthers were a playoff team last season. This will be a good road test for Chicago.
One thing the Bears didn't have early last season was Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon on the field at the same time. Gordon missed the first four games of the 2025 season, and the defense was worse for it.
I think the Bears can earn a scrappy road win against the Panthers because of that.
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
This is rematch of the season opener from 2025.
The Bears lost to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24 in the first game of last season. Now, the Vikings are expected to trot out Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback.
The Vikings also added Jauan Jennings in free agency and looked to be an improved team.
I think Minnesota can give Chicago a good game early, but I see the Bears eventually pulling away for a 2-0 start to the year.
Week 3: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the many teams from last season that the Bears are seeing again in 2026.
The Bears will have the luxury of a home-field advantage this time against the Eagles. The line courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook is (-1.5), favoring the Bears. This game is expected to be close.
The Bears haven't started a season 3-0 since 2020, and I don't see that streak being broken here.
I think a field goal will decide the game and mark Chicago's first loss of the season.
Week 4: vs. New York Jets
The Bears are back home again after playing the Eagles.
As it stands, the New York Jets' projected starting quarterback is Geno Smith. There's a chance Cade Klubnik could take the starting job, but facing Smith or a rookie quarterback would be an ideal situation for the Bears.
I think Chicago takes care of business and gets a solid win over New York, improving to 3-1.
Week 5: at Green Bay Packers
This is another game that is going to depend on how healthy the secondary is.
Gordon is already dealing with a soft-tissue injury this offseason, but it's still very early, and he can recover in time for the season.
We saw how vulnerable the Bears' secondary looked against the Green Bay Packers last season. Christian Watson torched the Bears for 89 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting. Then, Romeo Doubs had 84 receiving yards and a score in the second meeting.
I don't think Gordon's soft-tissue injury is anything to worry about this early and foresee him making a recovery in time for the 2026 season.
The Bears will beat the Packers at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2024 with a healthy Johnson and Gordon on the field.
Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are the second game on the Bears' road stretch in October.
Michael Penix Jr. is back with Tua Tagovailoa in the mix, also. For me, neither of those guys moves the needle much for the Falcons.
Bijan Robinson could give the Bears some trouble, but I predict Chicago handles the Falcons to move to 5-1.
Week 7: vs. New England Patriots
The league runner up from last season heads to Soldier Field in Week 7.
The New England Patriots have a few familiar faces for Bears fans. Byard will be back at Soldier Field for the first time since he left in free agency. Former Packers receiver Doubs is now with the Patriots as well.
Give me the Patriots, but in a close game.
Week 8: at Seattle Seahawks
Well, here we are.
The Bears are getting their chance at the Seattle Seahawks after being just one win away from facing them in the playoffs last season.
Sam Darnold and the Seahawks host the Bears at Lumen Field.
There's no doubt the Bears will be amped up for this game, but I think the Seahawks will bring them back down to Earth with a loss.
Chicago will be 6-2 with this loss.
Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bears will have a chance to rebound with a win just before their bye in Week 10.
Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come to town on Nov. 8. After being out west, the Bears will want a reset at Soldier Field.
Mayfield has historically done well against the Bears from his time with the Cleveland Browns and Buccaneers, posting a 2-0 record.
I think he can keep that trend going with the Bears, moving their record to 5-4 after a tough loss.
Week 11: vs. New Orleans Saints
College football fans got to see former Oklahoma Sooners quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Spencer Rattler face off last season.
Now, the Saints have Tyler Shough at quarterback.
After losing to the Buccaneers, I think the Bears can bounce back with a win over another NFC South team, the New Orleans Saints, to improve to 6-4.
Week 12: at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been very good at home since 2024, posting a 12-5 record.
Ben Johnson had a rude awakening last season when he returned to Ford Field, losing 52-21. I think it'll be a closer game this time, but it will be tough for the Bears to beat the Lions at home.
I predict a Lions win in Week 12, as Johnson will have to wait another year to beat his former team at Ford Field.
Week 13: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars were about to turn things around in 2025, much like the Bears were.
Liam Coen heads to Soldier Field in Week 13 to face Johnson and the Bears. After another disappointing loss to the Lions, I think the Bears can rebound with a win over the Jaguars.
Week 14: at Miami Dolphins
The Bears head to Miami to take on former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the Dolphins in Week 14.
Miami is also set to have Malik Willis start for them. Willis did well versus the Bears in Week 16 last season, but he didn't show me enough to make me believe he can lead the Dolphins to a win with fewer weapons.
The Bears wreak havoc on the former Packers DC to increase their record to 8-5.
Week 15: at Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills won't be an easy matchup for the Bears on the road.
The Bills have lost just two games at home since 2024. This game reminds me a lot of the San Francisco 49ers matchup last season.
I think a lot of points will be put up by both teams, but the Bills will pull out a win.
Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers
The Bears see the Packers again on Christmas Day on Netflix.
Which team will have its festivities ruined? I see the Bears gifting the Packers some coal in their stockings on this one.
The Bears sweep the Packers in the regular season to move to 9-6.
Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions
After the Lions beat the Bears earlier in the season, I see a win for the Bears at Soldier Field in Week 17.
Give me Chicago in a revenge game, as Johnson finally one-ups Dan Campbell.
Week 18: at Minnesota Vikings
The Bears wrap up the 2026 regular season with the Vikings.
It's going to be a flex game, but I think the outcome will be the same as the first meeting. However, I predict that Murray and the Vikings will give the Bears a much closer game, potentially even going to overtime.
I think the Bears win this with a last-minute score in either the final seconds of the fourth quarter or in overtime, ending the regular season at 11-6.
