Every Tuesday, WTTW News staffers share their favorite things about Chicago. This week, it’s Matt Masterson, reporter for WTTW News, on what to watch out for with the upcoming Bears season. Matt Masterson: Yes, yes summer is still fully in season, but fall — and more importantly, football — is approaching quickly. The Chicago Bears training camp begins Wednesday and the season kicks off in less than two months.
With that in mind here’s my recommendations for the top five home games to attend during the Bears’ upcoming 2026 schedule. 5.) Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. Minnesota: The Bears’ home opener comes in Week 2 against the division rival Vikings, a team that struggled for long stretches last season, but closed the year with five–straight wins. 4.) Thursday, Oct. 22 vs. New England: A matchup with the reigning AFC champs on Thursday Night Football. The two teams last faced off in November 2024, with the Patriots extending what would become a 10-game losing streak for the Bears. 3.) Monday, Sept. 28 vs. Philadelphia: The Bears handled the then-reigning Super Bowl champs in a 24-15 victory in Philly last season, leading to Head Coach Ben Johnson ripping off his shirt in a locker room celebration. We’ll see if there’s any post-game theatrics in store this time around on Monday Night Football. 2.) Sunday, Jan. 3 vs. Detroit: A chance for revenge for Ben Johnson against his former team after the Lions swept the Bears last season. Detroit suffered myriad injuries and endured a bit of a down year in 2025, but fully healthy again, the team should once again be in contention for the division title when the teams face off in the Bears’ home finale. 1.) Friday, Dec. 25 vs. Green Bay: C’mon, what else could possibly take the top spot? It’s the Packers. It’s Christmas. It’s … on Netflix (?). Sure, why not. Last year’s home matchup with the cheeseheads in late December delivered the Bears’ play of the regular season with Caleb Williams’ walkoff heave to D.J Moore in overtime to seal a 22-16 comeback victory. The teams’ playoff rematch two weeks later back at Soldier Field was equally thrilling with Williams and the Bears again storming back to end the Packers’ season in a 31-27 win.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Dec. 25 matchup is the most anticipated game of the year in Chicago.
