The 2020-2021 NFL season is just around the corner, and Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 teams. Each team’s 16-game slate will be split into its most difficult (1-8) and easiest games (9-16). This article will focus on the Chicago Bears most difficult games of the 2020 schedule:
Chicago Bears Most Difficult Games in 2020
1. Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers
The Bears are scheduled to face off with the Packers at home to close out the season. This game is currently planned for a 1 pm (EST) start, but it’s likely it could have playoff implications. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the NFL decided to move the game into prime time. The Bears and Packers have a long, storied rivalry. Finishing the regular season with what could be a division-deciding game will be the most difficult game for the Bears on the 2020 schedule.
2. Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prior to recent developments, the Buccaneers would not rank so high on the difficulty list. However, now that they have quarterback, Tom Brady, and tight end, Rob Gronkowski, this game is sure to be tough. Brady and Gronkowski spent nine years together when they both played for the New England Patriots. Their explosive, electric connection has always been difficult for teams to strategize against. This game is scheduled for Thursday Night Football, adding further pressure for the Bears.
3. Week 8: vs. New Orleans Saints
The Bears are sure to struggle against the Saints. Even with 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees sustaining a thumb injury and missing five games, the Saints managed a 13-3 record last season. New Orleans proved to be one of the most complete teams in the league. So, now that Brees is healthy, the Bears don’t stand much of a chance.
4. Week 14: vs. Houston Texans
The Texans proved to be quite the juggernaut in the 2019 playoffs. In the Wild Card round, they came back from a 13-point halftime deficit to win by a score of 22-19 in overtime. Quarterback, Deshaun Watson, completed 20 of 25 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown. Watson even had a 121.2 passer rating in this game. While the Bears defense ranked eighth overall in 2019, they will have to pull out all the stops for the Texans.
5. Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings
While the Vikings aren’t as much of a rivalry as the Packers, they’re still a divisional opponent. So, this will feel like a must-win game for the Bears. Their Week 15 meeting is in Minnesota, giving the Vikings home-field advantage.
6. Week 9: at Tennessee Titans
In 2019, the Bears defense allowed 25.88 rushing attempts and 102 rushing yards per game. If they plan to beat the star running back, Derrick Henry, and the Titans, Chicago will have to make some significant changes in their run defense. Last year in 15 games, Henry had 303 rushing attempts for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns.
7. Week 12: at Green Bay Packers
Playing at Lambeau Field is always difficult, especially for the Bears. It’s interesting that the Bears don’t play the Packers until Week 12. They have over half the season to prepare. Having so much time prior to facing their rivals could be helpful, or it could allow them to begin overthinking game plans. If the Bears are going to make a run at the division crown, they’ll need to win on the Packers turf.
8. Week 7: at Los Angeles Rams
The Rams certainly didn’t have the season they were hoping for in 2019. They followed up their 2018 Super Bowl run with a 9-7 record. Instead of trying again for a Lombardi Trophy, the Rams missed the playoffs. They should be ready to right the ship in 2020, and the Bears will have to face off with them in Los Angeles.
