The Bears<\/a> went from worst to first, garnering an 11-6 record and their first NFC North championship since 2018, as well as their first playoff win in nearly two decades. Chicago’s offense established itself as one of the best in the league, led by Williams’ NFL-record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. While the defense struggled with injuries, as well as pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, they led the NFL in takeaways (33) and interceptions (23).<\/p>\n But the question is whether the Bears can replicate their impressive 2025 season and once again contend in the NFC. After all, they have the most difficult strength of schedule, play in a slew of prime-time and standalone games and there are questions on defense.<\/p>\n We already took a swing at predicting Chicago’s 2026 schedule<\/a>. But we decided to ask\u00a0Grok<\/a>\u00a0(AI) how the Bears’ 2026 season will pan out, and it returned some positive results including a repeat NFC North championship and second straight playoff berth.<\/p>\n Week 1: Bears beat Panthers (1-0)<\/p>\n The Panthers are likely still rebuilding. Bears get a favorable road start against a weaker NFC South team and should control the game with their offense.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a>Week 2: Bears beat Vikings (2-0)<\/p>\n Home divisional opener. Bears have momentum from 2025 and should edge the Vikings in a close one, capitalizing on Soldier Field.<\/p>\n Week 3: Bears lose to Eagles (2-1)<\/p>\n Prime-time home game against a strong Eagles squad. Tough matchup; Philly’s physical style could wear down Chicago. Close but likely L.<\/p>\n Week 4: Bears beat Jets (3-1)<\/p>\n Home against a middling Jets team. Bears’ defense should contain them for a solid win.<\/p>\n Week 5: Bears lose to Packers (3-2)<\/p>\n Classic rivalry road game. Packers are competitive; Lambeau is tough. Split expected.<\/p>\n Week 6: Bears beat Falcons (4-2)<\/p>\n Favorable road spot vs. a potential NFC South contender. Bears should handle business.<\/p>\n Week 7: Bears beat Patriots (5-2)<\/p>\n TNF home game. Patriots are rebuilding; prime-time boost for Chicago.<\/p>\n Week 8: Bears lose to Seahawks (5-3)<\/p>\n MNF road game in a tough environment. Seahawks are usually solid at home.<\/p>\n Week 9: Bears beat Buccaneers (6-3)<\/p>\n SNF home. Bucs are competitive but Bears get the edge in Chicago.<\/p>\n Week 10: BYE (6-3)Week 11: Bears beat Saints (7-3)<\/p>\n Home vs. Saints. Should be a winnable game.<\/p>\n Week 12: Bears lose to Lions<\/a> (7-4)<\/p>\n Thanksgiving road rivalry. Lions are typically strong; tough spot.<\/p>\n Week 13: Bears beat Jaguars (8-4)<\/p>\n Home against Jags. Chicago should win this one.<\/p>\n Week 14: Bears beat Dolphins (9-4)<\/p>\n Road vs. Dolphins. Manageable if Miami underperforms.<\/p>\n Week 15: Bears lose to Bills (9-5)<\/p>\n Tough road prime-time vs. a strong Bills team.<\/p>\n Week 16: Bears beat Packers (10-5)<\/p>\n Christmas home game. Bears take the season series.<\/p>\n Week 17: Bears beat Lions (11-5)<\/p>\n Home vs. Lions. Key for division hopes; Bears defend turf.<\/p>\n Week 18: Bears lose to Vikings (11-6)<\/p>\n Road finale. Vikings could steal one to close the year.<\/p>\n Final Record Prediction: 11-6<\/p>\n Grok believes Ben Johnson will lead the Bears to the playoffs — and another NFC North championship — for the second consecutive season in Year 2 as head coach. While Chicago’s most difficult strength of schedule presents its challenges, Caleb Williams’ consistency and defensive improvements lead the way to another successful season.<\/p>\n Enough for another NFC North title in a competitive division (likely splitting or better with rivals) and a playoff spot, but the tough schedule (multiple prime-time\/road games vs. strong teams) prevents a bigger leap.<\/p>\n Follow Bears Wire on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ai\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/90076169007-chi-26-sched-ann.png\")
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