Can the Bears Leverage One of the Perks of Their 2026 Schedule?

"Over the last decade, teams with a three to six day rest edge and not off a full bye have covered 54.6% of games with a 4.2% ROI over 233 games from Week 6 onward. If these teams play on the road with this rest edge, the cover rate jumps to 56.1% with a 7.0% ROI over 134 games. In the last decade, teams playing short-week (less than six days rest) road games after Week 6 have won just 43.9% of games and covered just 47.4% (-9.4% ROI)."

"Meanwhile, when those same road teams play with extra rest (over 6 days) instead of short rest (literally just flip one variable), they have won 46.9% of games and have covered a whopping 53.3% (+1.8% ROI)."

"The 2026 schedule looks grueling for the Chicago Bears. The defending Super Bowl champs are on their schedule. So are the runners-up. Five other 2025 playoff qualifiers are on Chicago's list of opponents. As are two teams that missed the playoffs despite finishing with winning records. Whether you want to cite last year's results or use projected win totals to forecast what's coming down the pipeline, the Bears' schedule is among the toughest in the league."

"However, there is one sneaky perk about what lies ahead. And while it might not mean much to you, that Chicago's football team will be the most-well-rested in the league in 2026 is certainly an interesting anecdote. Chicago Bears 2025 Prep and Rest:#29 in Prep & Rest rank#25 in net rest rank (-4 days)Chicago Bears 2026 Prep & Rest:#1 in Prep & Rest rank#1 in net rest rank (+15 days)"

The 2026 schedule for the Chicago Bears includes the defending Super Bowl champions, the previous season’s runners-up, five other 2025 playoff qualifiers, and two teams that missed the playoffs despite winning records. The schedule is characterized as among the toughest in the league using either last year’s results or projected win totals. Despite the difficulty, Chicago is positioned to be the most well-rested team in 2026. The Bears rank first in preparation and net rest, creating a large rest edge. Rest edge is linked to better game outcomes, with teams holding a three to six day rest advantage covering more games and producing higher returns than teams with short-week road rest.

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