Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule Breakdown: Key Matchups, Rivalries, and Must-Watch Games

The Bears kick things off with a divisional matchup in prime time against the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears hope to seek revenge after their overtime loss in the Week 15 matchup. The Vikings lead the series 68-58-2.

Week 2 Bears @ Lions, 9/14, Noon CST/1:00pm EST

Ben Johnson will get his first crack at his former team quickly as the Bears take on the Detroit Lions at home in week two. Despite going to overtime on Thanksgiving Day, they were 0-2 versus the Lions a season ago. The Bears lead the series 105-80-5. Just in case Detroit fans need a reminder of who really owns this rivalry.

Week 3: Bears vs Cowboys 9/21, 3:25 pm CST/4:25 pm EST

The Matt Eberflus Revenge Game? The Dallas Cowboys come to Chicago in week three, and Eberflus now serves as the Cowboys defensive coordinator. The Cowboys currently lead the series 14-12.

Week 4: Bears @ Raiders 9/28, 3:25pm CST/4:25 EST

Just weeks ago, many fans clamored for the Bears to draft Ashton Jeanty. They will get an up-close and personal look at him when the Bears face the Raiders in Las Vegas. The Bears lead the series 9-8.

Week 5: BYE WEEK

Once again, the Bears will have an earlier bye week. Last season, it came in week 4. Hopefully, it will allow the team to prepare enough to avenge the Fail Mary.

Week 6: Bears @ Commanders 10/13, 7:15pm CST/8:15 pm EST

This is the game most Bears fans will have circled on their calendar (aside from divisional games). Last season, the Washington Commanders essentially ended the Bears' season. The Commanders lead the series 24-22-1.

Week 7: Bears vs Saints, 10/19, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

This could be one of the biggest trap games on the schedule. The New Orleans Saints are projected to be among the worst teams in the league. Let's hope the Bears don't get caught off guard. The Saints lead the series 18-13.

Week 8: Bears @ Ravens, 10/26, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL over the last five years. This will also be the first time Roquan Smith faces his former team. The Bears (surprisingly) lead the series 4-3.

Week 9: Bears @ Bengals, 11/2, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

Joe Burrow versus Caleb Williams. This could be one of the most exciting QB matchups of the season. The Bears are currently tied with the Bengals in the all-time series, 6-6.

Week 10: Bears vs Giants, 11/19, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

Will Jaxson Dart be the answer the New York Giants are looking for? This will be a big chance for him to prove it. On the other side, Chicago looks to add another win in the column before a string of difficult games. The Bears lead the series 31-22-2.

Week 11: Bears @ Vikings, 11/16, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

How much progress will J.J. McCarthy make in his first full season? Only time will tell. This matchup will allow both quarterbacks to establish themselves in the division. It will also be another chess match between Ben Johnson and Brian Flores.

Week 12: Bears vs Steelers, 11/23, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

The Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting history of trades and questionable calls (Yes, I'm still talking about the Cassius Marsh personal foul). At this point, no one knows who will play quarterback for the Steelers. But this could be the last chance for Chicago to get the Aaron Rodgers monkey off their back. The Bears lead the series 19-8-1.

Week 13: Bears @ Eagles, 11/28, 2:00 pm CST/3:00 pm EST

The elephant in the room is the double doink. Can the Bears take down the reigning Super Bowl Champs? Surprisingly, the Bears lead this series 29-17-1.

Week 14: Bears @ Packers, 12/7, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

The Bears head back to Lambeau to take on the Green Bay Packers. Caleb Williams will look to add to his streak of beating the Packers at Lambeau and turn around what has become a one-sided rivalry in the modern era. The Packers currently lead the series 108-96-6.

Week 15: Bears vs Browns, 12/14, Noon CST/1:00 pm EST

The Cleveland Browns are an enigma. They can be a competitive team on defense alone, yet they make bizarre decisions when it comes to the quarterback position. They could be primed to make a run, but they'll only go as far as Shadeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Joe Flacco takes them. Here's to hoping Caleb doesn't have the same experience the last Bears quarterback had against the Browns. The Browns lead the series 11-7.

Week 16: Bears vs Packers, 12/20, TBD

This game will likely be one of the most important of the season. Late-season rivalry matchups always make for epic television. It will be interesting to see which time slot this game ends up in. If both teams are competitive, look for it to get flexed to prime time.

Week 17: Bears @ 49ers, 12/28, 7:20 pm CST/8:20 pm EST

Both the Bears and the San Francisco 49ers experienced disappointing seasons a year ago. Both teams look to rebound in 2025, and this could be one of the most exciting games of the season. Two of the best offensive minds in the league will go head-to-head in Ben Johnson and Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers lead the series 36-33-1.

Week 18 Bears vs Lions, 1/3 or 1/4, TBD

Could there be a better potential ending to the season? The answer is no! This game could very well determine who makes the playoffs, playoff seeding, and more. I'm sure Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell will leave it all on the field in this one. Expect fireworks, penalties, and drama. Again, the Chicago Bears LEAD THE SERIES 105-80-5.

It's far too early to predict anything about these schedules. Especially the games later in the season. There are so many variables that can come into play. Still, this is an exciting schedule of games that will be a joy to scrutinize!