During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL. We rank each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Chicago Bears’ most difficult games are the focus.
Chicago Bears Most Difficult Games in 2016
1. Week 7 @ Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers, Lambeau Field, Thursday Night Football. It’s a recipe for a loss for any team. It’s not made any easier by the fact that they have to do so on a short week. This game is the second divisional game for the Bears, and could set the tone for the NFC North in 2016. Jay Cutler currently has a 2-12 career record against the Green Bay Packers. It could get even more lopsided this upcoming season.
2. Week 17 @ Minnesota Vikings
The Bears wrap up the 2016 season with a visit to the new U. S. Bank Stadium to play the defending NFC North Champions, the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who just rewarded head coach Mike Zimmer with a contract extension, could be looking to wrap up a playoff spot this late in the season. The Vikings will look to give the Bears a strong dose of rusher Adrian Peterson. And if anyone knows Peterson, they know he typically has his best games against the Bears.
3. Week 5 @ Indianapolis Colts
A trip to Lucas Oil Stadium against Andrew Luck’s Colts might end up being one of the easier games of the season depending on how the Colts’ offensive line performs this season. But if they can keep the man with the richest contract in NFL history up right, the Bears will find themselves in a tough situation. The Colts defense was up and down throughout last season. They will likely improve this year if they can keep key defenders healthy. Chuck Pagano’s team should be competing for the AFC South division championship throughout the season and could potentially be a tough game for any team.
4. Week 16 vs. Washington Redskins
A week 16 game against the Washington Redskins could be key for a couple of different reasons. The NFC East is a toss-up division every season and will likely be more competitive this year than last. The edge has to go to the defending divisional champions, so the Redskins check in at the number four most difficult game on the Bears’ 2016 schedule. Coach Jay Gruden’s team will try to be more consistent on offense this season. The additions they have made at wide receiver should really help Kirk Cousins, who will be playing on the franchise tag. Even if the Redskins are not leading their division in week 16, this game could have huge implications on the Wild Card.
5. Week 15 vs. Green Bay Packers
It might be a little surprising to some to see the Packers this high again, but that is the power of Aaron Rodgers. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player will always be a challenge for any team that he faces. Add in Randall Cobb and a healthy Jordy Nelson and you have an offense that will give many teams fits. This game will be late in December at Soldier Field so the weather could have an effect on the game itself, but both teams are acclimated to the cold. This week 15 matchup could have implications on both the NFC North and the Wild Card.
6. Week 10 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jameis Winston look to improve on a stellar rookie campaign. The Buccaneers nailed the draft. They also added a few key pieces in the off-season to make some noise in 2016. New head coach Dirk Koetter takes over a team that finished 6-10 but still sent six players to the Pro Bowl. The Buccaneers are trending upwards and will be competing for a Wild Card spot in the NFC this year. Playing in the humidity of Florida may also add to the Bears struggles.
7. Week 8 vs. Minnesota Vikings
A home game against the Minnesota Vikings in the middle of the season could potentially set the stage for the second half. The losing team could put themselves in a hole in the divisional race and might end up with the wild card as their only hope for the post season. Adrian Peterson will be primed and ready to go in his first match-up of the season against the team he always seems to play big against.
8. Week 9 @ Detroit Lions
Divisional games are always tough in the NFL. Road divisional games are even tougher. The Bears visiting the Detroit Lions comes in at the bottom of the toughest games because there are a lot of questions surrounding the Lions. Matthew Stafford puts up great numbers but always seems to be lacking in the win column when the dust settles. The loss of Calvin Johnson will be huge for the Lions, but Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and the recently signed Anquan Boldin should help cover some of his productivity. The offense really started to gel under Jim Bob Cooter’s guidance at the end of 2015 and will look to continue that success in 2016.
Make sure to check out the eight easiest games on Chicago’s schedule as well.
