Optimism is hard to find for the Chicago Bears' 2022 season. Beat writers and a portion of the fan base are in lockstep with negative expectations. It's understandable, to a degree. The Bears weren't very good in 2021, and with a new head coach and significant roster turnover, some turbulence lies ahead.
But something is working in the Bears' favor in 2022: their schedule.
According to The Athletic's ranking of this year's strength of schedule, Chicago checks in tied for 24th. Put another way, the Bears have one of the 10 easiest schedules in the NFL in 2022 with an opponents' win percentage of .471.
It isn't all good news on the schedule front, however. The upstart Detroit Lions have an easier 2022 slate of games than the Bears. Detroit will face teams with a 2021 win percentage of .467. It's a slight difference, but it is easier.
The Green Bay Packers' schedule ranks 22nd, and the Minnesota Vikings' checks in at No. 20.
The toughest schedule in the NFL belongs to the Los Angeles Rams (.567). The Dallas Cowboys have the easiest (.462).
Success in the NFL isn't only a result of the talent on a roster. Teams need to stay healthy, and they need a few lucky breaks, like a favorable schedule. The Bears' first four games should put them in a position to remain relevant well into October, and they'll have a chance to win three of their last four games to end the year (Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings).
A fast start and a strong finish could make for a much more interesting 2022 NFL season than predicted in Chicago.
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