Analysts Flag 2 Schedule Overreactions as Bears Face NFL's Hardest 2026 Slate

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 15

Five schedule-release hot takes got an early verdict, with analysts saying only two are justified: Chicago missing the playoffs and a non-2025 playoff team reaching this season's Super Bowl.
Chicago's case rests on the league's hardest schedule by 2025 opponent records; seven of the last 10 teams with that burden missed the playoffs, and the Bears close with the NFC North plus Buffalo.
Cincinnati's AFC title push was deemed plausible behind the third-easiest schedule, an intact offense and major defensive upgrades, while Kansas City's Super Bowl return was labeled a stretch because it faces the fifth-toughest slate after a 6-11 season.
Miami landing the No. 1 pick was also judged an overreaction despite a teardown and the second-toughest schedule, because Arizona and Las Vegas also look capable of bottoming out.
The broader takeaway from the 2026 release is that schedule strength can sharply reshape expectations in a league where recent non-playoff teams have quickly turned into contenders.

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