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Bears Get 7 Primetime Slots, Toughest Schedule, 9.5-Win Odds

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NFL released the Chicago Bears' 2026 schedule, which includes seven primetime games, the most for any team.
The schedule also gives the Bears the league's toughest strength of schedule.
DraftKings set an over/under of 9.5 wins and gave Chicago +320 odds, the third-best to repeat as NFC North champion.
Coach Ben Johnson said rookie center Logan Jones should start by Week 11, with Garrett Bradbury filling in until then.

History

Historical Context

Monday Night Football launched on ABC in September 1970, giving the NFL its first regular prime-time series. After moving to ESPN in 2006, the league expanded primetime slots with Thursday Night Football and flexible scheduling, and ESPN’s 2021 contract extends MNF rights through 2033. This growth lets teams such as the Chicago Bears secure as many as seven primetime games in 2026.

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Story summary

The NFL released the Chicago Bears' 2026 schedule, which includes seven primetime games, the most for any team.
The schedule also gives the Bears the league's toughest strength of schedule.
DraftKings set an over/under of 9.5 wins and gave Chicago +320 odds, the third-best to repeat as NFC North champion.
Coach Ben Johnson said rookie center Logan Jones should start by Week 11, with Garrett Bradbury filling in until then.

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