NFL schedules: Chicago Bears to play Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, Green Bay Packers on Christmas

Friday, May 15, 2026
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears will play the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day and the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day in the 2026 NFL season.



The Bears confirmed Thursday morning the team will travel to Detroit to face the Lions on Nov. 26. Kickoff is set for noon. The Bears will play on Thanksgiving Day for the second time in the last three seasons.

Kap from ESPN 1000 breaks down Bears schedule


The full 2026 Chicago Bearsregular-season schedule was unveiled at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, including a Christmas Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Chicago.

Chicago Bears



Week 1: Sept. 13 at Carolina Panthers



Week 2: Sept. 20 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 3: Sept. 28 vs. Philadelphia Eagles (MNF)

Week 4: Oct. 4 vs. New York Jets



Week 5: Oct. 11 at Green Bay Packers

Week 6: Oct. 18 at Atlanta Falcons

Week 7: Oct. 22 vs. New England Patriots (TNF)

Week 8: Nov. 2 at Seattle Seahawks (MNF)

Week 9: Nov. 8 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (SNF)



Week 10: BYE

Week 11: Nov. 22 vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 12: Nov. 26 at Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving)

Week 13: Dec. 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 14: Dec. 13 at Miami Dolphins



Week 15: Dec. 20 at Buffalo Bills (Primetime)

Week 16: Dec. 25 vs. Green Bay Packers (Christmas)

Week 17: Jan. 3 vs. Detroit Lions

Week 18: Jan 10 vs. Minnesota Vikings

Strength of schedule: The Bears have the hardest schedule in the league (opponents had a .550 winning percentage in 2025).
DraftKings over/under win total: 9.5
ESPN analyst Mike Clay's projected win total: 9.3

ESPN contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.