"Based on the results of the 2025 NFL season, the Bears have the toughest strength of schedule going into the 2026 campaign. So perhaps it makes sense that they would be tested immediately out of the gate for the second year of Ben Johnson's tenure as head coach. And even though we have a while (think spring, folks) until the league announces its schedule, we already know which teams are on the Bears' list of opponents for this upcoming season."
"The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are on that list of future Bears opponents. And given the ratings draw Chicago was for the NFL's broadcast and streaming partners, it wouldn't be a stretch to consider the Bears as a team that makes a ton of sense as the Seahawks opponent in Week 1 when the regular season kicks off with the Thursday night premier."
"Sure, the Bears would love to get off to a fast start. And playing the defending champs would make that goal tough. But remember, an 0-2 start didn't stop Chicago's football team from making the playoffs, winning the NFC North, and beating the Green Bay Packers in a playoff game. The way I see it, this is the type of challenge the Bears would probably welcome."
The Chicago Bears enter 2026 with the toughest strength of schedule based on 2025 results. The team could open the season on the road against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in a high-profile Thursday night opener. Facing Seattle in Week 1 would present an early test for Ben Johnson's second year as head coach but would offer an opportunity to legitimize the team with a marquee win. Chicago previously lost a low-scoring 6-3 game to Seattle at Soldier Field. The Bears overcame an 0-2 start in 2025 to win the NFC North and reach the playoffs.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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