Travel complexity for the Bears is a significant talking point. The full 2026 opponent slate posted a combined .550 win percentage last season, underscoring the competitiveness of Chicago’s upcoming opponents. Among all teams, only the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers are expected to log fewer miles on the road than the Bears, according to recent projections. Chicago is estimated to total about 10,676 miles of road travel this season. That figure positions the Bears favorably relative to many NFC teams and the league as a whole, particularly when compared to the heavy travel burdens faced by other franchises.
To put the Bears’ mileage into perspective, consider teams at the extreme ends of the travel spectrum. The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams sit at the farthest ends of the scale, each covering significantly more distance over the course of a season. While those teams are unusual cases, partly due to international travel plans tied to early-season trips, the overall landscape shows that roughly a dozen teams will travel at least twice as far as Chicago this year. This travel advantage is not just a logistical footnote—it can influence preparation time, recovery, and overall team fatigue as the season unfolds.
Within the NFC North, the division’s travel distances vary widely. The Green Bay Packers are projected to log 12,673 total miles, placing them toward the lower end of the spectrum in the division. The Minnesota Vikings are further along the road map, with an estimated 14,852 miles. In contrast, the Detroit Lions are anticipated to travel the most within the division, reaching about 18,958 miles, even as they aim for one of the league’s easier schedules. The Lions’ longer travel burden could factor into how they manage the workload through a demanding set of opponents.
On the field, the Bears are coming off a period of strength in the backfield recently, with players returning to full health as the week of practice closes in on the season opener. The backfield will again feature D’Andre Swift, who had a minor midsection scare that turned out to be a cramp. Swift and backup Kyle Monangai both practiced in full as preparations continued for the opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. The return to full health is welcome, given the importance of the running game in establishing balance for the offense.
However, the receiving corps has questions to answer. Romeo Odunze was unavailable for Monday’s session after leaving practice with an unspecified leg injury. Odunze is expected to play a pivotal role in the aerial attack, particularly in a WR room that also features second-year standout Luther Burden III. The level of depth and performance from the wide receiver group will be a key factor in how effectively the offense can capitalize on its ground game and quarterback play.
Heading into the opener, Chicago was viewed as a modest favorite to win in Carolina. A three-point spread on the road signaled confidence in the Bears’ week-to-week growth and the potential for offensive efficiency under head coach Ben Johnson, who is entering his second year at the helm. A win in the opening game would set a positive tone for a team facing a schedule that will test every phase—offense, defense, and special teams alike.
Defensively, questions persist about the pass rush and the secondary. The defense has shown moments of flash, but durability and consistency across the roster remain concerns. Offseason moves aimed at strengthening the defense will be weighed against the realities of a demanding schedule and a division race that looks competitive from top to bottom. Poles and the Bears’ front office will be judged on whether the offseason acquisitions and development pipeline can deliver a more disruptive pass rush and more pliable coverage units.
In sum, the 2026 season presents Chicago with a dual reality: a challenging schedule that could test the team in multiple ways, and a travel edge that can help offset some of the wear and tear associated with a long, grind-it-out campaign. The Bears’ ability to leverage that travel advantage, maximize health and depth at running back and wide receiver, and shore up defensive consistency will be pivotal to their performance as the season unfolds. As the opener against Carolina approaches, the focus remains on executing a balanced game plan, maintaining roster health, and transforming the potential travel edge into tangible on-field gains.
