The Chicago Bears are facing the toughest strength of schedule (SOS) in the NFL for the 2026 season, with opponents posting a combined .550 winning percentage from the previous year. This marks a slight improvement from last season, when the Bears had the second-toughest schedule at .571—an even steeper challenge.

While a first-place finish in their division earns them a tougher slate of opponents, including matchups against three other division winners, the Bears have shown they can rise to the occasion. In fact, despite facing the second-hardest SOS in 2025, the team managed to improve significantly, defying the odds that often predict regression for teams with such daunting schedules.

Historically, teams with the hardest SOS have averaged a drop of about four wins since 2021. But recent precedent suggests otherwise: the Bears' own performance last year proves that a tough schedule doesn't have to mean a losing season. As they gear up for 2026, fans can take heart in knowing this team has already bucked the trend once before.