8 things to know about the 2026 Bears schedule
The Chicago Bears' 2026 schedule features a road opener against the Carolina Panthers, marking their first season-opening away game in five years. They will face both prior Super Bowl participants, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, in consecutive weeks. The season also includes a Christmas Day matchup against their longtime rivals, the Green Bay Packers, at Soldier Field.
- ▪The Bears will open the 2026 season on the road against the Carolina Panthers, their first such opener since 2021.
- ▪Chicago will play both previous Super Bowl teams—the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks—in back-to-back weeks.
- ▪The Bears will host the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day at Soldier Field, marking the third time these rivals meet on the holiday.
- ▪This is the first time since 2009 that the Bears will face both prior Super Bowl participants in the same season.
- ▪The 2026 schedule reflects increased national interest in the Bears due to the team's resurgence led by Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.
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