The Chicago Bears schedule for 2025 is packed with excitement, featuring intense division rivalries, standout prime-time matchups, and a new era under head coach Ben Johnson. Fans across the country are eager to see how the Bears will perform with a retooled roster and a rookie quarterback leading the charge. Whether you’re planning your fall weekends or sizing up the NFC North, understanding the new Bears schedule is essential.

A Look at the 2025 Bears Schedule

The official 2025 NFL schedule reveals that the Bears will face one of the league's toughest slates. According to both NFL.com and ESPN, Chicago’s opponents had a combined .571 winning percentage last year, tying the Bears for the second-hardest strength of schedule among all teams. This tough lineup includes games against last year's playoff powerhouses and classic NFC North foes: the Packers, Lions, and Vikings.

Here’s a quick preview of the Bears’ regular-season opponents and key games:

• Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Monday Night Football)
• Week 2: at Detroit Lions
• Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Week 4: at Las Vegas Raiders
• Week 5: BYE
• Week 6: at Washington Commanders (Monday Night Football)
• Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints
• Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 10: vs. New York Giants
• Week 11: at Vikings
• Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 13: at Philadelphia Eagles (Black Friday Football)
• Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
• Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
• Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers (Saturday)
• Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions (date TBD)

The schedule features five prime-time or standalone games, signaling the league’s confidence in the Bears’ rise. This includes marquee matchups on Monday Night Football, a Thanksgiving weekend showdown, and a Black Friday game against the defending champion Eagles (full details on ESPN).

Division Showdowns and Must-Watch Games

Key stretches could define the Bears’ playoff hopes. Notably, Chicago meets the Packers twice in December—setting the stage for high-stakes clashes with their longest-standing rivals. The Week 16 clash at home against Green Bay is already generating buzz, especially after comments from both coaches last season. Look for the much-anticipated rematch with the Vikings in Week 11, and a season-closing battle against the Lions in Week 18 that could have playoff implications.

Analysts point to the importance of the Bears’ early and late stretches. The front end includes tough road trips, while November and December feature four games against likely playoff contenders. Securing wins in winnable games, such as those against the Giants, Saints, and Raiders, will be crucial before the schedule turns more challenging.

What the Experts Are Saying

According to Yahoo Sports, the NFL’s prime-time focus on the Bears reflects optimism about Ben Johnson’s impact and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ potential. The team will need to adjust quickly, especially with an early bye week giving coaches a chance to assess and adapt. If the Bears can establish consistency, especially on offense, they stand a good chance at improving their record from last season.

Strengthening their play during prime-time showdowns could help Chicago gain momentum, and perhaps even break their streak against the Packers or claim a playoff berth. As one ESPN analyst predicts, Williams could become Chicago’s first 4,000-yard passer, a sign of major progress in the team’s attack.

When and How to Follow the Bears Schedule

Fans can catch the excitement all season via national broadcasts such as ESPN, NFL Network, and streaming services. The full NFL schedule release event generated plenty of buzz, with key details and analysis available from top NFL sources.

Conclusion: Gearing Up for a Pivotal Bears Season

With an intense slate of games, a talented young roster, and a new coaching direction, the 2025 Bears schedule is one of the most anticipated in years. Chicago aims to make a statement in the NFC North, entertain in prime-time, and return to playoff contention. Stay tuned, set your reminders, and get ready to experience a new era of Bears football!