What Time Chicago Bears Playing? – The Chicago Bears 2026 season is here, and fans across the USA are marking their calendars. Whether you’re asking “What time are the Chicago Bears playing today?” or planning for the full year, this guide has the most up-to-date information from trusted sources.
When Is the Next Chicago Bears Game?
As of June 2026, the next Chicago Bears game is the 2026 preseason opener:
Saturday, August 15, 2026 – 12:00 PM CDT
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL (Home)
This game kicks off the preseason on the Chicago Bears Network (FOX 32). It’s the perfect chance to see new additions and rookies in action before the regular season begins on September 13.
Chicago Bears 2026 Preseason Schedule
All times listed in Central Time (CT) — Chicago’s local time zone. Preseason games give fans an early look at the roster.
Preseason Schedule Table
| Week | Date | Time (CT) | Opponent | Location | TV/Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | 12:00 PM | vs Cleveland Browns | Soldier Field (Home) | Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32 |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | 6:00 PM | at Cincinnati Bengals | Paycor Stadium | Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32, ESPN Chicago, WVIV (Español) |
| 3 | Sat, Aug 29 | 5:00 PM | at Tennessee Titans | Nissan Stadium | Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32 |
Source: Official Chicago Bears website schedule.
2026 Chicago Bears Regular Season Schedule & Key Games
The regular season runs from September 13, 2026, to early January 2027, with a bye in Week 10. The Bears have several primetime games and high-profile matchups, including rivalries with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions.
All times in Central Time (CT). TV assignments for afternoon games are typically on FOX or CBS; primetime games have confirmed national broadcasts.
Notable 2026 Games to Circle:
- Week 2 (Sep 20): Home opener vs Minnesota Vikings (12:00 PM CT, FOX)
- Week 3 (Sep 28): Monday Night Football vs Philadelphia Eagles (7:15 PM CT, ESPN/ABC)
- Week 5 (Oct 11): At Green Bay Packers (3:25 PM CT, FOX) – NFC North rivalry
- Week 7 (Oct 22): Thursday Night Football vs New England Patriots (7:15 PM CT, Prime Video)
- Week 9 (Nov 8): Sunday Night Football vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:20 PM CT, NBC)
- Week 12 (Nov 26): Thanksgiving Day at Detroit Lions (12:00 PM CT, CBS)
- Week 16 (Dec 25): Christmas Day vs Green Bay Packers (12:00 PM CT, Netflix) – Special holiday game at Soldier Field
- Week 17 (Jan 3): vs Detroit Lions (3:25 PM CT, FOX)
Full Regular Season Schedule (Central Time)
| Week | Date | Time (CT) | Matchup | Location | TV/Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Sep 13 | 12:00 PM | at Carolina Panthers | Bank of America Stadium | FOX |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 20 | 12:00 PM | vs Minnesota Vikings | Soldier Field (Home) | FOX |
| 3 | Mon, Sep 28 | 7:15 PM | vs Philadelphia Eagles | Soldier Field (Home) | ESPN / ABC |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | 12:00 PM | vs New York Jets | Soldier Field (Home) | FOX |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 11 | 3:25 PM | at Green Bay Packers | Lambeau Field | FOX |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 18 | 12:00 PM | at Atlanta Falcons | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | FOX |
| 7 | Thu, Oct 22 | 7:15 PM | vs New England Patriots | Soldier Field (Home) | Prime Video |
| 8 | Mon, Nov 2 | 7:15 PM | at Seattle Seahawks | Lumen Field | ESPN |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 8 | 7:20 PM | vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Soldier Field (Home) | NBC |
| 10 | — | — | BYE WEEK | — | — |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 22 | 12:00 PM | vs New Orleans Saints | Soldier Field (Home) | FOX |
| 12 | Thu, Nov 26 | 12:00 PM | at Detroit Lions | Ford Field | CBS (Thanksgiving) |
| 13 | Sun, Dec 6 | 12:00 PM | vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Soldier Field (Home) | FOX |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 13 | 12:00 PM | at Miami Dolphins | Hard Rock Stadium | CBS |
| 15 | Sat, Dec 19 | 7:20 PM | at Buffalo Bills | Highmark Stadium | National TV / Check listings |
| 16 | Fri, Dec 25 | 12:00 PM | vs Green Bay Packers | Soldier Field (Home) | Netflix (Christmas) |
| 17 | Sun, Jan 3 | 3:25 PM | vs Detroit Lions | Soldier Field (Home) | FOX |
| 18 | TBD | TBD | at Minnesota Vikings | U.S. Bank Stadium | TBD (Flex game) |
Sources: Official Chicago Bears schedule page and ESPN NFL team schedule.
Note: Some late-season Sunday afternoon games and Week 18 are subject to NFL flexible scheduling. Primetime and holiday games are locked in earlier.
How to Watch Chicago Bears Games? (TV & Streaming)
Traditional TV:
- Local Chicago market: FOX 32 for many games
- National: FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN/ABC, Prime Video, Netflix (Christmas game)
Streaming Options (Popular with USA Fans):
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV (carry major networks)
- Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football
- Netflix for the special Christmas Day game vs Packers
- NFL+ app for live local games and primetime on mobile devices (check current blackouts and packages)
Radio & Audio:
- Chicago area: ESPN Chicago (English) and WVIV (Español)
- National: SiriusXM NFL Radio or the official Bears app
For the most accurate TV map in your area, use the NFL app or visit your local listings closer to game day.
Chicago Bears Game Times by Time Zone (Quick Reference)
All times above are Central Time (CT). Here’s how they convert:
- Eastern Time (ET): Add 1 hour (e.g., 12:00 PM CT = 1:00 PM ET)
- Mountain Time (MT): Subtract 1 hour
- Pacific Time (PT): Subtract 2 hours
Primetime games (7:15 PM or 7:20 PM CT) are especially convenient for fans on the East and West Coasts.
Where to Buy Tickets for Chicago Bears Games?
- Official primary tickets: Chicago Bears Ticketmaster page
- Full schedule & ticket links: ChicagoBears.com/schedule
- For away games, check the opponent’s official site or verified resale platforms.
Tip: Buy early for popular games (Packers, Vikings, primetime, and holiday matchups). Always use official or authorized sellers to avoid scams.
Stay Updated on Schedule Changes
The NFL can flex certain Sunday games to better time slots later in the season (usually after Week 10). Week 18 times are often announced later.
Best ways to stay informed:
- Official site: ChicagoBears.com/schedule
- NFL.com Bears schedule
- ESPN Bears schedule page
- Follow @ChicagoBears on X and download the official Bears or NFL app for push notifications
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Chicago Bears schedule features a strong mix of home games at Soldier Field, primetime national exposure, a Christmas Day showdown with the Packers on Netflix, and a Thanksgiving trip to Detroit. Whether you’re planning a tailgate, setting your fantasy lineup, or just want to know what time the Bears are playing this weekend, bookmark this guide and the official sources above.
Mark your calendar for August 15 — the 2026 season starts soon!
Related Resources:
All information current as of June 2026. Game times and TV assignments are subject to change. Always confirm with official sources before making plans.