Predicting prime-time games for the Chicago Bears' 2026 schedule

Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

So many people around the league believe that the Bears will take on the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks to open Week 1 that it will be an upset if it doesn't happen at this point. With the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams playing in Australia, the uncertainty surrounding Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he rehabs from a torn ACL, and fatigue from a possible Super Bowl rematch with the New England Patriots, the Bears are the best choice to be Seattle's opponent. And even if they don't face each other in Week 1, these two teams are primed for the national spotlight down the road.

2. Bears vs. Patriots

Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) rushes the ball against Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Two years ago, the Bears and Patriots played one of the worst games of the season at Soldier Field that wound up costing an offensive coordinator his job. Things sure have turned around for both franchises since that day in November, huh? Quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Drake Maye both elevated their play and took their respective franchises to new heights in 2025, with the Patriots making it to Super Bowl LX.

The NFL has already showcased Williams and his fellow 2024 quarterbacks in the past (Jayden Daniels and JJ McCarthy). They will do the same with him and Maye now that expectations for both teams are sky high.

3. Bears vs. Jaguars

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Cole Kmet of Chicago Bears scores a touch down under pressure from Montaric Brown of Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Another team that saw an impressive turnaround in 2025 was the Jacksonville Jaguars, led by head coach Liam Coen. The Jaguars finally seemed to unlock quarterback Trevor Lawrence and captured the AFC South before falling to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. This team was exciting to watch last year, and the NFL would love to showcase a pair of No. 1 overall picks to a national audience. I can see this game ending up on Monday Night Football to become the first Bears-Jaguars matchup to be broadcast in primetime.

4. Bears at Lions

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 04: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Soldier Field on January 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Many believed the NFL would highlight the Bears and the Detroit Lions at some point last season, given the fact that head coach Ben Johnson would be facing his old team twice and the Lions still having plenty of talent to keep them competitive. That didn't happen, as each team had other matchups inside their division that were showcased. But this year should be different. I won't go as far as to say there is bad blood between both teams, but both matchups in 2025 proved it wasn't just another game on the schedule. Whether it's a night game or maybe even a Thanksgiving matchup, a national audience will see these division rivals square off.

5. Bears vs. Saints

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of the game at Soldier Field on October 19, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

There's usually an "under the radar" Bears matchup that gets elevated to prime time. My pick in 2026 is Bears vs. Saints to get national attention. The Saints showed they were a frisky team when they turned the reigns over to Tyler Shough. They went 4-0 in December and have added key pieces for their young team under head coach Kellen Moore. Though the 2025 matchup between both teams wasn't all that competitive, this year could be different. I can see a Thursday Night Football date for when the Saints come marching in to Soldier Field.

6. Bears at Falcons

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) intercepts a pass in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

All signs point to the Bears traveling overseas to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain. The Falcons were announced as the home team for one of the nine international games taking place this season, and the Bears are a prime option to be their opponent. The Bears are one of three teams with marketing rights in Spain, and the NFL already showcased one of the other teams (Miami Dolphins) in last year's game in Spain. The Bears are the most logical choice and are considered heavy favorites for this standalone game.

7. Bears at Packers

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 07: Luther Burden III #10 of the Chicago Bears and Carrington Valentine #24 of the Green Bay Packers react after the play during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on December 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

After last season's trio of games between the Bears and the Green Bay Packers, do you really think the NFL is going to keep these matchups in the early timeslot? The oldest rivalry in the NFL is back and better than ever, and one (or both) games will be reserved for prime time. The question is, how soon will these two teams play? I doubt the NFL will wait until December like last year.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 2026 schedule: Predicting Chicago's prime-time matchups