After a two-year hiatus, the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rivalry is returning to prime time.
Fox Sports announced Monday that the Bears will host the Packers at Soldier Field in Week 16 on Saturday, Dec. 20, as the NFL began a slow trickle of releasing marquee games in advance of Wednesday’s release of the complete 2025 schedule. The game will be played at 3:30 or 6 p.m.
The Bears completed the 2024 season with a 24-22 upset of the Packers on Jan. 5 at Lambeau Field as Cairo Santos nailed a 51-yard field goal on the final play. The victory ended a 10-game losing streak for the Bears and sent them into an offseason of considerable change.
With new coach Ben Johnson and his staff, a rebuilt offensive line and optimism for the development of quarterback Caleb Williams in his second season, the Bears are gaining interest in the NFC North, arguably the best division in the league last season.
The Bears and Packers played in prime time once annually from 2006 through 2022, a span of 17 consecutive seasons, before playing only afternoon games in 2023 and 2024. The Packers have won the last seven meetings at night.
The last time the Bears defeated the Packers in prime time at Soldier Field was a 20-17 victory on “Monday Night Football” in Week 3 of 2010 as Robbie Gould connected on two short field goals in the final four minutes.
Fox also announced it will air the Philadelphia Eagles at the Washington Commanders on Dec. 20.
By playing on Saturday in Week 16, it’s possible this increases the chances the Bears are selected to play in Week 17 on Christmas, which is Thursday, Dec. 25.
