The NFL officially released its 2025 regular season schedule, and for fans of the Chicago Bears, there’s plenty to be excited about. After a promising 2024 campaign that showed glimpses of progress under head coach Matt Eberflus and the front office’s vision coming to fruition, the 2025 slate offers a mix of high-profile matchups, divisional showdowns, and opportunities to build momentum throughout the year.
Prime-Time Presence and National Spotlight
One of the standout takeaways from the Bears’ 2025 schedule is their increase in nationally televised games. The Bears will appear in four prime-time matchups: two on Sunday Night Football, one on Monday Night Football, and one Thursday night game. That’s a clear indicator that the NFL sees Chicago as a rising team with national appeal. With young talent at key positions and a fan base that spans the country, the Bears are poised to be one of the most-watched teams in 2025.
A Tough Start and a Critical Bye Week
The season opens on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, a team that remains competitive and presents a challenging environment for any visitor. Week 2 brings the home opener at Soldier Field against division rival Green Bay Packers, a marquee game that always draws national attention. Facing a divisional opponent so early could set the tone for the season.
The Bears’ bye week comes in Week 9, a well-placed midseason break that could allow the team to reset and heal before a crucial second-half stretch. In past seasons, Chicago has struggled post-bye, so this year’s preparation and adjustments will be key to maintaining consistency.
Divisional Showdowns
As always, NFC North matchups will be crucial. The Bears will play their six division games scattered throughout the schedule, with two each against the Packers, Vikings, and Lions. All three teams have made offseason moves to remain competitive, especially the Lions, who are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances.
The Week 15 matchup against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field could have serious playoff implications. The final game of the season is a home clash with the Minnesota Vikings, which could decide a Wild Card spot or even the division crown, depending on how things play out.
Marquee Matchups and Travel Highlights
Beyond their divisional games, the Bears’ schedule features several high-profile opponents. They will host the Dallas Cowboys, a game sure to generate massive ratings and a sold-out crowd. Other notable home games include contests against the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals.
On the road, the Bears will travel to face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium and the San Francisco 49ers, one of the league’s elite teams. Those games will test the Bears’ ability to perform in difficult environments against disciplined teams.
There is also a buzz surrounding the Week 6 international game. The Bears will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London as part of the NFL’s International Series. This marks the Bears’ first game overseas since 2019 and is a unique opportunity to grow their global brand while adjusting to the challenges of travel and time zone changes.
What’s at Stake
The 2025 season is pivotal for the Bears. With a young quarterback expected to take the next step, continued development of recent draft picks, and a defense that’s rounding into form, expectations are higher than they’ve been in years. The front office has made it clear that the goal is not just competitiveness, but contention.
Fans will be watching closely to see how this team handles adversity and whether they can make the leap from a rebuilding squad to a legitimate playoff contender. With a balanced schedule and winnable games, the path is there—it’s up to the Bears to walk it.
