The Chicago Bears are preparing for a 2026 season where they will no longer be viewed as the underdog catching opposing teams by surprise. Winning the NFC North and completing an epic playoff comeback against the Green Bay Packers has firmly cemented lofty expectations. In the first five weeks of the season the Bears will take on the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Green Bay Packers. Bears' Schedule Setting up Chicago to Take Early-Season Control of NFC NorthBoth the Panthers and Vikings should be wins as the Bears have an undeniable advantage over two teams facing quarterback questions and dealing with rosters stuck in nuetral. Winning the first two games of the season including a key NFC North game should help set the tone for what will be tougher matchups against the Eagles and Packers.