The NFL is putting the Chicago Bears in the spotlight like never before. With seven standalone games scheduled for 2026, it's clear the league is betting big on head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. For years, the Bears have been a team the NFL wanted to love—but without a consistently marketable star under center, that love was never fully returned. That has changed, and now Chicago fans have a full slate of primetime and alternate-day games to look forward to. Let's break them down, ranking each matchup from least to most exciting.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Don't get us wrong—any standalone game is a good game. But this one feels like the least compelling of the bunch. The Buccaneers stumbled down the stretch last season, and head coach Todd Bowles may be coaching for his job. Tampa looks like a middle-of-the-road team, and without a marquee quarterback matchup, this game won't generate much buzz from the national media.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are likely to be competitive, but there's a sense they've passed their peak. With AJ Brown potentially on the trade block and Jalen Hurts facing another season of scrutiny, Philadelphia could be a .500 team. Of course, Bears fans will remember last year's game when Chicago exposed the Eagles' weaknesses. That rivalry adds some spice, but overall, this matchup lands near the bottom of the list.
5. Seattle Seahawks
You might think we're crazy for ranking the defending Super Bowl champions this low. But here's the thing: while Sam Darnold is a solid quarterback, he doesn't bring the star power that makes a primetime game must-see TV. What does intrigue us is the chess match between Ben Johnson's offense and Mike Macdonald's defense. Plus, it's a Coby Bryant revenge game—if that gets you fired up. Still, the other four games on this list just have more juice.
4. Detroit Lions
If this were last season, Ben Johnson's return to Detroit would have been near the top. But we've already seen that storyline play out. The Bears struggled against the Lions in 2025, and while this game has division rivalry heat, it doesn't carry the same novelty. Still, any NFC North showdown in primetime is worth watching.
3. Green Bay Packers
The oldest rivalry in football gets the national stage it deserves. With both teams trending upward, this game has serious playoff implications. The Bears-Packers history is rich, and with Chicago finally fielding a team that can compete, this matchup feels like a turning point in the rivalry.
2. Dallas Cowboys
America's Team vs. the rising Bears? Sign us up. This game has all the ingredients for a classic: two passionate fanbases, a primetime slot, and the kind of star power the NFL loves. If Caleb Williams can outduel Dak Prescott, it will be a statement win for Chicago's new era.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The top spot goes to a matchup that pits two of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league against each other. Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy is a quarterback duel that could define the NFC for years to come. Add in the defensive prowess of both teams, and you have a game that feels like a potential playoff preview. This is the one Bears fans should circle on their calendars.
Whether you're watching from the couch or repping your favorite Bears gear, 2026 is shaping up to be a season to remember. Make sure you're ready for every primetime moment with the latest Chicago Bears apparel from our collection.