Chicago Bears, Lions, Ravens Face Toughest 2025 NFL Schedules

The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are both facing extremely challenging schedules in the 2025 NFL season, according to Warren Sharp's strength of schedule projections based on Vegas win totals. The Lions, with the third-toughest schedule in the NFL, will face nine playoff teams from 2024, making their path back to the postseason particularly difficult despite being Super Bowl contenders. The Bears, meanwhile, are projected to have the sixth-hardest schedule, which could hinder their hopes for a breakthrough season under new coaching and quarterback Caleb Williams, even as expectations rise following recent roster upgrades. Both teams will compete in a highly competitive NFC North, where all division rivals—including the Vikings and Packers—are also in the playoff conversation and must be faced twice. These tough schedules mean both teams will be severely tested, but strong performances could validate their status among the league's elite. The projections underscore the volatility and competitiveness of the upcoming NFL season, with playoff races likely to be influenced by the demanding slates each team faces.