SCHEDULE SKINNY
Peter King
September 01, 1997
Pity the Bears. In the first five weeks they play at Green Bay, at New England and at Dallas. Then they come home for emotional games against Mike Ditka's Saints and the rival Packers. With consecutive games against the Dolphins (Oct. 26) and the Redskins (Nov. 2) looming after that, Chicago could be out of the wild-card race before the schedule eases up.
Pity the Bears. In the first five weeks they play at Green Bay, at New England and at Dallas. Then they come home for emotional games against Mike Ditka's Saints and the rival Packers. With consecutive games against the Dolphins (Oct. 26) and the Redskins (Nov. 2) looming after that, Chicago could be out of the wild-card race before the schedule eases up.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
NFL rank: 22 (tie)
Opponents' 1996 winning percentage: .484
Games against playoff teams: 7