(104.3 The Score) Following a breakthrough 2025 season, the Bears are quite the draw for the broadcast networks and the creators of the NFL’s schedule.
On Thursday evening, the Bears released their full 2026 schedule, which features seven standalone games to be played before a national audience. That will be part of the daunting challenge for the Bears in 2026, when they’ll play the NFL’s toughest schedule based on 2025 records.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams and the team will now look to put their 2025 success behind them and improve.
Here’s the Bears’ full schedule for the 2026 season.
Week 1 at Panthers – Sept. 13 at noon on FOX
As it turns out, the Bears didn’t get the NFL’s prime billing with the league opener against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Instead, they’ll start on the road against an upstart Panthers team that will pose a challenge.
Week 2 vs. Vikings – Sept. 20 at noon on FOX
The Bears’ fate in 2026 will largely be tied to winning winning divisional games and home contests, and this represents the first chance to do that. The Vikings will likely be down this season. The Bears need to take advantage of this one.
Week 3 vs. Eagles – Sept. 28 at 7:15 p.m. on ABC/ESPN (Monday Night Football)
The first of three primetime games at Soldier Field in 2026 will feature an Eagles team facing a defining season.
Week 4 vs. Jets – Oct. 4 at noon on FOX
Parity reigns supreme in the NFL, but the Jets should be one of the worst teams on the Bears’ schedule, if not the worst.
Week 5 at Packers – Oct. 11 at 3:25 p.m. on FOX
Lambeau Field should be absolutely buzzing for the first of two – and maybe three? -- matchups between the rivals in this upcoming season.
Week 6 at Falcons – Oct. 18 at noon on FOX
Will it be Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. starting at quarterback for the Falcons? Either way, this should be a victory for the Bears against the Ian Cunningham-led team.
Week 7 vs. Patriots – Oct. 22 at 7:15 p.m. on Prime (Thursday Night Football)
The defending AFC champions come to Chicago on a short week. This will thrust Williams and Drake Maye into the spotlight as the headliners of the 2024 draft class.
Week 8 at Seahawks – Nov. 2 at 7:15 p.m. on ABC/ESPN (Monday Night Football)
This was nearly the NFC Championship matchup last January. As these two teams square off, they should each be Super Bowl contenders once again.
Week 9 vs. Buccaneers – Nov. 8 at 7:20 p.m. on NBC (Sunday Night Football)
The Bears close out the first half of their regular season against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
Week 10 bye
Week 11 vs. Saints – Nov. 22 at noon on FOX
Fresh off the bye week and with the Lions looming, the Bears shouldn’t overlook the Saints.
Week 12 at Lions – Nov. 26 at noon on CBS (Thanksgiving Day)
I mean, you knew this was coming. Thanksgiving is Detroit’s day, and it will be incredible theater at Ford Field with Johnson leading his team back to his old stomping grounds again.
Week 13 vs. Jaguars – Dec. 6 at noon on FOX
The Jaguars should be a formidable foe as they come in for a December date in Chicago.
Week 14 at Dolphins – Dec. 13 at noon on CBS
The Bears struggled against Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense last season. Now he’s leading the Dolphins, who will be retooling in 2026.
Week 15 at Bills – Dec. 19 at 7:20 p.m. on CBS (Saturday standalone game)
This matchup pits two quarterbacks who are elite at improvising against each other as Williams faces off with Josh Allen.
Week 16 vs. Packers – Dec. 25 at noon on Netflix (Christmas Day)
On a day of hope and joy, two hated rivals will meet once again. The NFC North could be on the line in this one.
Week 17 vs. Lions – Jan. 3 at 3:25 p.m. on FOX
It bothered Johnson that his Bears lost to the Lions twice last season. He’ll look to avenge that this season.
Week 18 at Vikings – date and time TBA
Minneapolis is quite balmy in January. Thankfully, U.S. Bank Stadium is indoors.
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
