(MCT) CHICAGO —The Bears’ schedule takes a turn for the more difficult after Sunday’s meeting with the Titans in Nashville.

This marks the eighth time since the merger with the AFL in 1970 the Bears have been 6-1 or better through the first seven games, and all the previous occasions, most recently in 2006, led to postseason berths.

Of the six victories, only one has come against a team currently with a winning record — the season-opening win over the Colts, who are 4-3. The Titans (3-5) are another sub-.500 opponent, but then the Bears face the Texans (6-1) and 49ers (5-2 entering Monday night’s game at Arizona) in consecutive weeks.