A Look at the Chicago Bears’ 2025 Opponents
The Chicago Bears are set to face a challenging slate of games in the 2025 NFL season. With a young and developing roster, the Bears will need to improve on both sides of the ball if they want to compete in a competitive NFC North. As the team continues to rebuild and find its identity under head coach Matt Eberflus, the schedule for 2025 will test their growth and determination. Let’s take a closer look at the Bears’ opponents for the upcoming season and what challenges lie ahead.
1. NFC North Rivalries
The Bears’ NFC North schedule is always an important part of their season. With rivalries deeply ingrained in the history of the division, these matchups are always hard-fought and heavily anticipated.
Detroit Lions
- First Matchup: Week 4 @ Detroit Lions
- Second Matchup: Week 14 vs. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have emerged as a formidable force in the NFC North in recent years, and their offense has been explosive under head coach Dan Campbell. The Bears will need to improve their defense to contain the Lions’ high-scoring attack, particularly with quarterback Jared Goff leading the way. The addition of weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and a dangerous running game makes Detroit one of the tougher matchups on the Bears’ schedule. Chicago will need to improve their secondary and pass rush if they hope to keep the Lions’ offense in check.
Minnesota Vikings
- First Matchup: Week 7 vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Second Matchup: Week 18 @ Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are always a tough division opponent, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and the dynamic playmaking ability of Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ offense can put up points in bunches, and their defense is often opportunistic. For the Bears to succeed against Minnesota, they’ll need to shore up their defensive coverage, especially against top-tier wide receivers like Jefferson. This matchup will be key for the Bears’ secondary, as they’ll need to show improvement against one of the league’s most talented receiving corps.
Green Bay Packers
- First Matchup: Week 2 @ Green Bay Packers
- Second Matchup: Week 12 vs. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are in a period of transition, with Jordan Love taking over at quarterback after the departure of Aaron Rodgers. While Love has shown promise, the Packers’ offense will be a work in progress as they find their rhythm with new pieces. That said, Green Bay’s defense remains one of the best in the division, led by standout players like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary. The Bears will need to exploit the Packers’ inexperience at quarterback while avoiding the formidable pass rush. If the Bears’ offense can make big plays and protect Justin Fields, these games could be winnable.
2. NFC South Matchups
In 2025, the Bears will face teams from the NFC South, which remains one of the more unpredictable divisions in the NFL. With changing rosters, there are some unknowns for Chicago, but they can expect some tough challenges.
Atlanta Falcons
- First Matchup: Week 5 @ Atlanta Falcons
- Second Matchup: Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a team on the rise, with a strong run game led by Bijan Robinson and a solid defense. The Bears will need to stop the run game and force Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder into uncomfortable situations. The matchup will test the Bears’ defensive front, which will need to improve against physical running backs. On offense, the Bears will need to find success through the air, as Atlanta’s defense has improved in recent years.
New Orleans Saints
- First Matchup: Week 6 vs. New Orleans Saints
- Second Matchup: Week 17 @ New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have been in transition but remain a solid team, with their defense staying competitive year after year. The Saints added a big-name quarterback in Derek Carr in the offseason, which could give their offense a much-needed spark. The Bears’ defense will need to limit the passing attack and contain Carr’s ability to distribute the ball. Offensively, Chicago will have to avoid mistakes against a defense that has a knack for forcing turnovers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- First Matchup: Week 8 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Second Matchup: Week 13 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Tom Brady officially retired, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering a new era at quarterback. Whether it’s Baker Mayfield or another player, the Bucs will be trying to establish a new identity. Their defense still boasts some talented players, but the Bears will look to capitalize on the potential inexperience at quarterback. For Chicago, it’s an opportunity to get a win against a team in transition, especially if their offense can continue to make strides under Justin Fields.
3. AFC East Matchups
The Bears’ schedule also includes matchups with teams from the AFC East, which is home to several high-powered offenses. These games will test the Bears’ defense in new ways, particularly against some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills
- First Matchup: Week 3 vs. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills remain one of the top teams in the AFC, led by quarterback Josh Allen, who can beat teams with both his arm and his legs. Chicago’s defense will have its hands full trying to slow down the dynamic Allen and his playmakers, like Stefon Diggs. For the Bears to have a chance in this game, their defense will need to focus on containment and avoid giving up big plays. Offensively, the Bears will need to execute a balanced game plan and find success in the passing game to keep up with the high-scoring Bills.
Miami Dolphins
- First Matchup: Week 9 @ Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, thanks in large part to speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Bears’ secondary will need to be on high alert, as Miami can stretch the field with big plays. Chicago’s defense will have to limit the big plays and focus on tackling in space to slow down the Dolphins’ offense. Offensively, the Bears will need to find a way to move the ball efficiently, particularly in the passing game, to keep pace with Miami.
New England Patriots
- First Matchup: Week 10 @ New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been rebuilding, but Bill Belichick is always a threat to field a competitive team. The Bears will need to focus on containing quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots’ ground game. While New England may not have the most explosive offense, their defense is always a challenge. Chicago will need to execute clean plays and avoid turnovers in order to secure a win on the road.
4. NFC West Matchups
The NFC West features a mix of high-caliber teams, making these games important tests for the Bears in 2025.
San Francisco 49ers
- First Matchup: Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are an NFC powerhouse, with a dominant defense led by Nick Bosa and a balanced offense. The Bears will have their hands full against a team that excels in every phase of the game. Chicago will need to focus on slowing down the 49ers’ explosive playmakers, including Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. For the Bears’ offense, protecting Justin Fields from a fierce pass rush will be a key to success.
Seattle Seahawks
- First Matchup: Week 16 @ Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have an exciting, young quarterback in Geno Smith and a potent offense. While their defense has its weaknesses, the Bears will need to keep pace with the Seahawks’ scoring ability. Chicago’s defensive secondary will be tested by Seattle’s wide receivers, and the Bears’ offense will need to make timely plays to stay competitive.