The Chicago Bears’ 2025 schedule is beginning to take shape, and one of the key developments fans are focusing on is the team’s matchups with the AFC North. With the NFL continuing to slowly roll out portions of the upcoming schedule ahead of the full release, it’s becoming increasingly clear which teams the Bears will be facing in the upcoming season, and the AFC North games are already turning heads.
For the Bears, these games could be among the toughest on their 2025 slate. The AFC North is known for its physicality, historic rivalries, and hard-nosed defensive play, and each team in that division presents a unique challenge. The matchups with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers not only provide intriguing storylines but also major measuring sticks for where this Chicago team stands heading into a pivotal season.
First, the Bears’ date with the Baltimore Ravens is expected to be one of the most compelling games on the calendar. Baltimore, led by former MVP Lamar Jackson, continues to be a powerhouse in the AFC. The Ravens feature a dominant defense, an explosive offense, and one of the league’s most dynamic coaching staffs. For the Bears, who are continuing to build around their young quarterback and retooled defense, facing a team like Baltimore will offer insight into how far they’ve come in the last year under their current leadership.
The matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals is another one drawing significant attention. The Bengals, with Joe Burrow under center and a potent receiving corps, are perennial playoff contenders and Super Bowl hopefuls. This game will test Chicago’s secondary and pass rush in a major way. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins stretching the field, the Bears’ ability to contain big plays will be tested like few other games on their schedule. Moreover, the battle between two young quarterbacks with star potential could make this game one of the season’s most talked-about showdowns.
Next comes a showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland’s defense, led by Myles Garrett, remains among the best in the league. The Browns also bring a physical run game and an offensive line that can dominate the trenches. For Chicago, matching Cleveland’s physicality up front will be a key to success. This game might not have the national spotlight of some others, but it could be one of the grittiest contests the Bears face all year. It will also be a crucial test for Chicago’s offensive line and run defense, two areas the team has prioritized in its offseason development.
Finally, the Bears will go head-to-head with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise known for its toughness and defensive pedigree. The Steelers are in the midst of building a new offensive identity while remaining stout on the defensive side. Facing Pittsburgh in any setting is a challenge, and depending on when the game falls in the season, it could have significant playoff implications. Chicago’s coaching staff will need to craft a smart, disciplined game plan to come out on top in this one.
Beyond the individual matchups, these four AFC North games collectively will say a lot about the Bears’ growth and competitiveness. In 2024, Chicago showed flashes of progress but lacked the consistency to make a deep run. With a more experienced roster and a front office that has aggressively sought to upgrade talent, expectations are higher in 2025. How the Bears handle these AFC North battles will be an important barometer of whether they can contend in the NFC North and perhaps even earn a postseason berth.
The timing of the AFC North games will also matter. Early-season matchups could serve as tone-setters and provide early momentum, while late-season battles may carry playoff implications. The NFL’s schedule release typically staggers information like this, so while we now know the opponents, fans are still waiting for exact dates, kickoff times, and TV broadcasts. That said, Bears fans are already marking their calendars and circling these matchups as must-watch events.
Each game also brings its own travel demands and fan dynamics. A trip to Pittsburgh or Cleveland in December, for example, would mean braving wintry conditions and loud, hostile environments. Soldier Field could be rocking for home games against the Bengals or Ravens, especially if those contests come with significant playoff implications. The Bears’ home field advantage has historically been a strength when the team is winning, and getting the crowd involved will be critical in these heavyweight matchups.
What makes these games even more interesting is how they fit into the broader context of Chicago’s development. The Bears are trying to establish themselves not just as competitive but as a true threat in the NFC. To do that, they need to beat teams with playoff pedigree. All four AFC North squads fit that bill. Wins in these games could go a long way in building confidence, not just inside the locker room, but among fans, analysts, and opponents alike.
It’s also worth considering the quarterback storylines that come with these matchups. Whether it’s Justin Fields or another rising star under center for Chicago, the spotlight will be intense. Facing off against the likes of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and whoever is leading the Steelers brings high-profile battles that will be dissected at the national level. The quarterback play in these games could determine the outcome and shape the narrative of the Bears’ season.
On the defensive side, how Chicago performs against these varied offensive schemes will speak volumes. The Ravens bring a unique, run-heavy approach with designed quarterback runs and misdirection. The Bengals offer a vertical passing attack with elite playmakers. The Browns lean on a punishing run game, while the Steelers aim for balance and opportunistic play-calling. Each game will require tailored game plans and disciplined execution.
The AFC North matchups are just one piece of the larger puzzle, of course. The Bears will also face their traditional NFC North rivals, and those games always carry extra weight. But in terms of outside-the-division contests, few matchups will be more important or more telling than these AFC North clashes. They will test Chicago in ways no other group of games on the schedule likely will.
In the end, while the full 2025 schedule has yet to be officially released, the early glimpse provided by these AFC North reveals gives fans plenty to be excited about. These aren’t just routine games; they’re potentially season-defining. With each opponent bringing a different set of challenges and each game offering the opportunity to make a statement, the Bears’ 2025 journey is starting to look like one filled with drama, intensity, and the chance for redemption.
Chicago’s leadership, from the front office to the coaching staff to the team captains, understands what’s at stake. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year in many respects, and the AFC North games could go a long way toward deciding whether the Bears take the next step in their climb back to NFL relevance. With just a few more pieces of the schedule puzzle left to fall into place, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see the full roadmap. But one thing is already certain: the AFC North games are can’t-miss battles that will help define the Bears’ 2025 season.