The NFL dropped the full 2026 regular-season schedule and Bears fans, buckle up. After an exhilarating 2025 campaign that saw Chicago win the NFC North and return to the playoffs, the 2026 slate is loaded with national TV exposure, brutal road tests, and classic rivalry games. The Bears will play 17 games (Week 10 bye), facing every NFC North foe twice, all four NFC South teams, all four AFC East squads, plus three additional tough opponents (Eagles, Jaguars, and Seahawks).
The Full 2026 Bears Schedule
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 – at Carolina Panthers, 12:00 PM CDT (FOX)
The Bears open on the road against a rebuilding Panthers squad. A good opportunity to start off on the right foot.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 – vs. Minnesota Vikings, 12:00 PM CDT (FOX)
Home opener against a divisional rival. Soldier Field will be rocking.
Week 3: Monday, Sept. 28 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 7:15 PM CDT (ESPN/ABC)
Monday Night Football under the lights. A prime-time showcase against a strong Eagles team.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4 – vs. New York Jets, 12:00 PM CDT (FOX)
A 3rd straight home game — this time against the Jets. Chicago gets a favorable early home stretch.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11 – at Green Bay Packers, 3:25 PM CDT (FOX)
First road divisional battle at Lambeau. Always tough and after some epic games last year, this will be must watch.
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18 – at Atlanta Falcons, 12:00 PM CDT (FOX)
Down South against the Falcons — should hopefully be winnable but potential trap opportunity off a game at Green Bay with a Thursday Night Game after.
Week 7: Thursday, Oct. 22 – vs. New England Patriots, 7:15 PM CDT (Prime Video)
Thursday Night Football at home. The Pats are coming off a strong 2025 — expect a physical, nationally televised grind.
Week 8: Monday, Nov. 2 – at Seattle Seahawks, 7:15 PM CST (ESPN)
Monday Night Football in the Pacific Northwest. The Super Bowl champs host — this one will be a measuring stick.
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8 – vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:20 PM CST (NBC)
Sunday Night Football at Soldier Field. Bucs bring the heat — another primetime game. The final of three straight heading into the BYE.
Week 10: BYE
A much needed bye after a grueling stretch of primetime games.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22 – vs. New Orleans Saints, 12:00 PM CST (FOX)
Home against the Saints — post-bye momentum builder.
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26 – at Detroit Lions, 12:00 PM CST (CBS)
Thanksgiving Day in Detroit. The annual game in Detroit will include the Bears.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6 – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 12:00 PM CST (FOX)
Home vs. the Jags — Trevor Lawrence and the defending AFC South champs could be dangerous.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13 – at Miami Dolphins, 12:00 PM CST (CBS)
South Beach in December — always tricky weather-wise for a cold-weather team.
Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 19 – at Buffalo Bills, 7:20 PM CST (CBS)
Saturday night primetime vs. Josh Allen and the Bills. One of the toughest road tests of the year.
Week 16: Friday, Dec. 25 – vs. Green Bay Packers, 12:00 PM CST (Netflix)
Christmas Day at Soldier Field! A Netflix-streamed holiday classic against the Packers. Soldier Field will be electric.
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3 – vs. Detroit Lions, 3:25 PM CST (FOX)
Final home game of the season — Lions rematch.
Week 18: TBD – at Minnesota Vikings (TBD)
Season finale on the road in Minnesota. Flex potential for this game.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 Schedule
- Primetime Overload: Six (or more, depending on flexes) national TV games — Weeks 3, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 16. The Bears are absolutely a featured team this fall. Huge for visibility and proving they belong.
- Holiday Magic: Thanksgiving in Detroit and Christmas vs. Green Bay at home. Two of the most-watched games of the season will have Bears fans glued to their screens.
- Toughest Schedule in Football: Opponents combined for a .550 winning percentage last year — the league’s highest. The NFL did the Bears no favors with their three additional opponents (Seahawks – Super Bowl Champs, Eagles – NFC East Champs, Jaguars – AFC South Champs).
- Home/Road Split: Nine home games, eight on the road. The early home-heavy stretch (Weeks 2-4) and late home games (16-17) could be huge for playoff positioning.
What It Means for the Bears
Last year was the coming out party for the Bears in Year 1 under Ben Johnson. The NFL has rewarded them with a very tough schedule and lots of primetime games. The Bears finished 11-6 last year and with the schedule ahead of them, I’d absolutely take that again. This season will provide a tremendous opportunity for the Bears show they belong amongst the best.