The NFL has released the travel mileage projections for the 2026 season, and the Chicago Bears are set to enjoy a relatively light schedule on the road. With the third-fewest miles to travel among all 32 teams, the Bears will have a significant advantage when it comes to rest and recovery.

Chicago's longest journey takes them to Seattle to face the Seahawks, marking their only road game west of the Central time zone. The rest of their away slate keeps things close to home: divisional battles against the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers, plus trips southeast to face the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, and one northeast jaunt to take on the Buffalo Bills.

While modern travel is far more comfortable than it was in 1996, every mile still counts. Less time in the air means more time for practice, preparation, and keeping players fresh. For a team looking to make noise in the NFC North, this schedule could be a hidden edge.

League-wide, the nine International Series games have pushed total travel miles to an all-time high. The San Francisco 49ers will log the most miles and cross 58 time zones—another single-season record. As teams crisscross the globe, the debate continues: does travel truly impact performance in today's game?