The Chicago Bears will face the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving in 2026, marking their fifth matchup in nine seasons. The NFL has scheduled at least seven standalone games for the Bears, highlighting their popularity.
Key points
Bears will play Lions on Thanksgiving in 2026.
This is the fifth matchup in nine seasons.
Bears have at least seven standalone games scheduled.
Season opener is against the Carolina Panthers.
Bears are featured in marquee windows including Christmas.
Chicago BearsDetroit LionsCarolina PanthersSeattle Seahawks
(Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears were the darlings of the NFL last season — and the league is taking full advantage of that status heading into 2026. The Bears will play at least seven standalone games for national audiences this season.
The NFL released its full slate of 272 games Thursday night. While the Bears avoided having to face the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in the season opener, they were selected for numerous marquee windows — including both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It all starts Sunday, Sept. 13, when the Bears kick off the 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C.
The standalone games begin two weeks later, when the Bears play the Philadelphia Eagles on “Monday Night Football” in Week 3 at Soldier Field.
In Weeks 7-9, they have three consecutive prime-time games: hosting the New England Patriots on a Thursday, visiting the Seahawks on a Monday and hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Sunday Night Football.”
The Bears will play the Detroit Lions at noon on Thanksgiving, returning to Ford Field on the holiday for the fifth time in nine seasons. They have another standalone game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium, followed by a Christmas Day game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. The Christmas game, on a Friday, will air on Netflix at noon.
Q&A
When do the Chicago Bears play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving?
The Chicago Bears will play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day in 2026.
How many standalone games will the Bears have in the 2026 season?
The Bears are scheduled to have at least seven standalone games for national audiences in the 2026 season.
Who are the Bears playing in their season opener for 2026?
The Bears will kick off the 2026 season against the Carolina Panthers on September 13.
What notable games are on the Bears' 2026 schedule?
In addition to the Thanksgiving game, the Bears will also play on Christmas and have several marquee matchups throughout the season.
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An earlier matchup with the Packers on Oct. 11 at Lambeau Field is not in a standalone window but will kick off at 3:25 p.m. on Fox.
The Bears have nine home games this season and eight away games. They’ll play three consecutive home games in Weeks 2-4, when the weather in Chicago should remain in peak form.
The players will love a Week 10 bye, pretty much smack-dab in the middle of the season.
The Bears will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in early December, when the colder weather could be to their advantage. And visiting the Miami Dolphins a week later means the Bears will avoid having to play in South Florida’s sweltering September heat.
Visiting Buffalo in December always brings the potential for heavy lake-effect snow. Note that the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium remains open to the elements, although it will feature a heated natural grass field.
The Bears will end the season with three consecutive NFC North matchups, hosting the Packers and Lions in Weeks 16 and 17 before traveling to Minnesota for the finale. The time and date for the Week 18 game against the Vikings will be determined later.
2026 Bears schedule
Week 1: at Panthers, Sunday, Sept. 13 (noon, Fox)
Week 2: vs. Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 20 (noon, Fox)
Week 3: vs. Eagles, Monday, Sept. 28 (7:15 p.m., ABC and ESPN)