After a disappointing 5–12 finish in 2024, the Chicago Bears are hoping that a new head coach, a bolstered offensive line, and the continued development of quarterback Caleb Williams can spark a major turnaround. With fresh talent on both sides of the ball and a brutal 2025 schedule ahead, the Bears find themselves as one of the NFL’s most intriguing “boom or bust” teams entering the new season.
The Chicago Bears Schedule
Chicago’s 2025 schedule is unforgiving, featuring 10 games against teams with winning records last year, including five playoff teams. The Bears face a brutal midseason stretch (Weeks 8–14) that includes road games at Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, plus two matchups in three weeks against the rival Green Bay. Let’s break it all down, skipping the preseason and starting in Weeks 1-3…
Weeks 1-3
Week 1 vs Minnesota Vikings (MNF) | Monday, September 8 | Home |
The Bears open their season under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against a familiar NFC North foe. Minnesota, fresh off a 14–3 campaign, brings back a high-powered offense that will immediately test Chicago’s rebuilt defense. It will be our first look at QB J.J McCarthy in an NFL game. It’s also Caleb Williams’ first real spotlight moment of the season, a chance to show how much he’s grown in Year 2.
Week 2 at Detroit Lions | Sunday, September 14 | Away |
In just their second game, the Bears head to Detroit to face the defending division champs. Ben Johnson gets to face his former team for the first time, meaning Ford Field will be loud, and the Lions bring one of the most balanced rosters in football. The Bears desperately need at least one of these first 2 games to stay competitive in the NFC North.
Week 3 vs Dallas Cowboys | Sunday, September 21 | Home |
Few teams pressure the quarterback like Dallas, and that puts the spotlight squarely on Chicago’s revamped offensive line.
Weeks 4-6
Week 4 at Las Vegas Raiders |Sunday, September 28 | Away |
Finally, a breather (kinda). The Raiders are in a transitional phase adapting to new pieces like Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty, and while road wins are never easy, this matchup is one Chicago should be able to control. A sharp outing before the bye could be just the momentum builder the Bears need.
Week 5 – BYE
The schedule-makers did Chicago a favor here. After a rugged opening slate, this early bye week is a perfect time to regroup and heal.
Week 6 at Washington Commanders (MNF) | Monday, October 13 | Away |
The Bears are looking for revenge after losing to a hail mary to the Commanders a year before. But primetime on the road is a tough ask. The key for the Bears: avoid mistakes, sustain drives, and keep Caleb upright. If they pull off a win, it could be a tone-setter for the second quarter of the season.
Weeks 7-9
Week 7 vs New Orleans Saints |Sunday, October 19 | Home |
With Derek Carr retiring, New Orleans is stuck with either Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, or Jake Haener at QB, so this is a game Chicago should circle as a must-win. If the Bears are serious about contending, these are the matchups they can’t afford to drop at home.
Week 8 at Baltimore Ravens | Sunday, October 26 | Away |
This one’s a gauntlet. Baltimore is physical, experienced, and deep. Slowing down Lamar Jackson is a tall order, but if Chicago’s defense wants to prove it belongs, this is the stage to do it.
Week 9 at Cincinnati Bengals |Sunday, November 2 | Away |
Another tough AFC North test. Burrow and Chase will stress-test the Bears’ secondary all day. The key here will be getting pressure without blitzing, something we rarely see out of the Bears defensive line.
Weeks 10-12
Week 10 vs New York Giants | Sunday, November 9 | Home |
A get-right game if there ever was one. The Giants lack direction and consistency. This is the kind of matchup where the Bears’ offense needs to take control and build confidence heading into tougher weeks.
Week 11 at Minnesota Vikings | Sunday, November 16 | Away |
Another crack at the division rivals. By mid-November, we’ll know who the Bears and the Vikings really are. Can the Bears they go into hostile territory and get a season-defining win?
Week 12 vs Pittsburgh Steelers | Sunday, November 23 | Home |
I currently don’t know what to think about the Steelers. Right now they’re starting quarterback is either Mason Rudolph or Will Howard. Assuming they get Aaron Rodgers, how much of a difference does that really even make? Either way, this Steelers defense is going to put Williams and Chicago to the test.
Weeks 13-15
Week 13 at Philadelphia Eagles (Black Friday) | Friday, November 28 | Away | 2:00 PM CT |
Short week. On the road. Against the reigning Super Bowl champs. This is the ultimate uphill battle. Expect the Bears to be underdogs, but a clean, turnover-free performance would still be a strong statement.
Week 14 at Green Bay Packers | Sunday, December 7 | Away |
The annual trip to Lambeau. After years and years of losing to the Packers, Chicago got a win in Week 18 of the 2024 season in Lambeau. If Chicago finally wants to get rid of the “being owned” by the Packers saying, now is the time to do it.
Week 15 vs Cleveland Browns | Sunday, December 14 | Home |
Much like the Steelers, I have no clue what direction the Browns are going in at quarterback. And also like Pittsburgh, this is going to be a tough defense to face. If the Bears can force a couple of turnovers and limit mistakes, this could be a big-time win in the playoff push.
Weeks 16-18
Week 16 vs Green Bay Packers (Saturday National Game) | Saturday, December 20 | Home |
National TV. Division rivals. Playoff implications. This is the type of late-season matchup that defines a team’s legacy. If Chicago is still in the race, this could be their statement game.
Week 17 at San Francisco 49ers (SNF) | Sunday, December 28 | Away |
San Francisco is in a weird spot after losing a ton of key guys in free agency. Winning this away game could be huge for the Bears.
Week 18 vs Detroit Lions |Weekend of January 3–4 | Home |
This could very easily be for all the marbles. A playoff berth. Seeding. Or just pride. Either way, Soldier Field should be rocking for the season finale, and Ben Johnson the Bears will need to rise to the moment.
Predictions
The NFC North is a gauntlet in 2025. The Lions (15–2), Vikings (14–3), and Packers (10–7) all made the playoffs last year. For Chicago to crack the top three, I believe that they need to go at least 3–3 in division play. The Bears’ success hinges on Caleb Williams’ Year 2 development, improved protection, and defensive consistency. If they hold serve at home and steal a few on the road, they can push for a wild card spot. Chicago has the talent to compete. Now they just have to prove it when it counts.
