The Chicago Bears may have caught a major break before the 2026 NFL schedule is even officially released.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears rank 30th in total projected air miles traveled for the 2026 season. Only two teams are expected to travel less.
That’s a significant advantage in a league where fatigue, recovery, and routine matter more than ever.
The NFL schedule can quietly shape a season, and fewer travel miles often mean fewer disruptions throughout the year. Less time spent on airplanes leads to more time recovering, more consistent weekly preparation, and a smaller physical toll over a grueling 17-game season.
For a Chicago team with championship expectations entering Year 2 under Ben Johnson, every edge matters.
The Bears already appear set up favorably from a logistics standpoint. They won’t have to deal with extensive cross-country travel or multiple long road swings that can wear teams down by December and January. That becomes especially important late in the season when injuries pile up and recovery windows shrink.
MORE: Chicago Bears Avoid International Game in 2026 NFL Season
It also helps that the Bears are not scheduled for an international game in 2026, avoiding the kind of travel chaos several other franchises will face.
Travel distance alone won’t determine whether Chicago becomes a true NFC contender, but it’s one more factor working in their favor heading into a pivotal season for Caleb Williams and the rest of the roster.
Sometimes, the smallest advantages make the biggest difference in January.
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