If you're asking when do the chicago bears play, you're likely staring at a calendar and realizing the stakes have never been higher for the Monsters of the Midway. As of right now, the city is basically holding its breath. We aren't talking about "next year" anymore; we are talking about the right now.
The Chicago Bears are currently deep in a postseason run that has the North Side and South Side actually agreeing on something for once. After a regular season that felt like a rollercoaster—complete with a gritty 11-6 finish—the team has found its stride under head coach Ben Johnson.
The Immediate Schedule: Divisional Round Details
Right now, the only date that matters is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Bears are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM CST (6:30 PM EST). This isn't just another game; it’s a Divisional Round matchup. The atmosphere in Chicago is going to be electric, or maybe just freezing, but that’s home-field advantage for you. You can catch this one on NBC or stream it through Peacock.
If they win? They move on to the NFC Championship. If they lose, the off-season talk starts early. But honestly, after that 31-27 Wild Card win over the Packers, this team feels like they have some serious "team of destiny" vibes going on.
Looking Ahead: Who Do the Bears Play in 2026?
Once the dust settles on this playoff run, the 2026 regular season schedule will be the next big question. While the exact dates and times won't be dropped by the NFL until May, we already know the "who" and the "where."
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Because it’s an even-numbered year, the NFC gets the extra home game. That means nine games at Soldier Field and eight on the road.
2026 Home Opponents
- Green Bay Packers: Obviously.
- Detroit Lions: The rivalry is getting spicy again.
- Minnesota Vikings: Always a tough divisional out.
- Philadelphia Eagles: This is one of those "same-place finisher" matchups.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: An AFC South crossover.
- Atlanta Falcons: Part of the NFC South rotation.
- New Orleans Saints: Also from the NFC South.
- Buffalo Bills: This will be a heavy-hitter AFC East game.
- Miami Dolphins: Hopefully scheduled for October and not December.
2026 Road Trips
Traveling fans have some decent options this year. The Bears will head out to face the Seattle Seahawks, which is always a loud environment. They also have road dates with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.
Then there’s the usual NFC North tour: Lambeau, Ford Field, and U.S. Bank Stadium. ROUNDING out the away list are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. If you're looking for a winter getaway, that Tampa trip is looking pretty good right about now.
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Why This Schedule Is Different
The NFL uses a specific formula to decide these things. It isn't just random. The Bears play everyone in their division twice. Then they cycle through one full NFC division (the South in 2026) and one full AFC division (the East in 2026).
The remaining games are based on where the Bears finished in the standings. Since they took the crown in the NFC North this year, they have to play other first-place teams. It's the "reward" for winning—a much harder schedule the following season.
Dealing with Flex Scheduling
It’s important to remember that the NFL is obsessed with TV ratings. Basically, "when do the chicago bears play" can change on a whim once we get past Week 5.
The league can "flex" games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night if the matchup is juicy. They can also move games to Monday or Thursday. If Caleb Williams continues his trajectory, expect the Bears to be in the maximum allowed prime-time slots. You’ve gotta be flexible if you’re planning a watch party.
How to Track the Official 2026 Release
The "official" schedule with times and dates usually leaks out bit by bit in mid-May. The NFL usually turns it into a three-hour televised event. Kind of overkill, sure, but we all watch it anyway.
Historically, the Bears have been a lock for at least one Thanksgiving or Christmas appearance when they’re good. With the way Ben Johnson has this offense humming, I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the season opener or a high-profile Monday Night Football slot early in September 2026.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you actually need to do:
- Clear your Sunday, Jan 18th: The Rams game starts at 5:30 PM CST. Don't be the person who tries to book a dinner reservation during the third quarter.
- Download the Bears App: They push notifications for schedule changes faster than any news site.
- Check the Flex Window: Once the 2026 season starts, keep an eye on the schedule about 12 days in advance. That is the typical window for the NFL to move a game.
- Bookmark the NFL Ticketing Page: If you want to go to a road game in 2026—like that Seattle or Tampa trip—buying the moment the May schedule drops is the only way to avoid the 300% markup on the secondary market.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Soldier Field this weekend. Whether you're watching from a bar in River North or shivering in the stands, the 2026 era of Bears football is officially here.