The NFL schedule release is getting closer and closer and the league continues the slow drip of announcements ahead of the full release, but we are still awaiting the decision on whether or not the Chicago Bears will face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

After the latest official announcement (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos on MNF in Week 1), only four road options remain to potentially face the defending Super Bowl Champions to kick off the 2026 regular season. The Bears still remain the obvious option for the league, but there’s buzz that the New England Patriots could be Seattle’s Week 1 opponent in a Super Bowl rematch.

Patriots will open the season in Seattle on 9/9, per sources.

— Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) May 11, 2026

If that’s indeed the case, it’s time to go back to the drawing board and consider which other teams the Bears could face to open the season. So, let’s rank the Top-5 options.

Note: We are excluding the Green Bay Packers games from the rankings because we all would prefer to see both of those matchups late in the season again.

Ranking the Top-5 opponents for the Chicago Bears in Week 1 (if not the Seattle Seahawks)

1. at Detroit Lions

This matchup would give head coach Ben Johnson the opportunity to finally exercise his demons in the Detroit. Chicago lost both matchups against Johnson’s former team during his first season with the Bears, including a 52-21 beatdown in Detroit early in the season.

Going to Detroit to open the season kicks off the year with major divisional implications and further establishes a strong rivalry between the two sides. It also would save the home opener for Week 2 against someone like the Patriots.

2. vs. New York Jets

On the flip side, this would make for an exciting home opener. This would be the first time Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn go head-to-head as head coaches and it wouldn’t be a layup first game at home like many would probably expect.

The Jets have made some strong moves this offseason after adding veteran quarterback Geno Smith and three first-round selections to the roster. It would be a fresh challenge to open the season and an early game to start building that home field advantage.

3. vs. Philadelphia Eagles

A rematch from last year’s massive win for the Bears in Philly, this time at Soldier Field. This game last season was easily one of the defining wins of the season on a national stage that proved the Bears were a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

Ideally, I’d rather this game be saved for later in the season when both teams are hot and have it on primetime considering all of the Week 1 primetime slots are now officially booked.

4. at Carolina Panthers

To me, this could actually be an exciting road game to open the season (and not just because I’m an NC native and want to attend this game). The Panthers proved throughout the 2025 season that they can compete against top teams in the NFC and had one of the best offseasons out of any team in the league with the additions they made.

This would also save fans the hassle of hearing about the Caleb Williams – Bryce Young trade for the third time by not having this game on primetime. Charlotte in September will make for a hot game, but it’s better than going to Miami.

5. vs. New Orleans Saints

Now this would be an opportunity for the Bears to give an early beatdown in front of the home crowd. The last time the Bears faced the Saints, Chicago won 26-14 last season after recording three interceptions against QB Spencer Rattler. This time around, it’ll be Tyler Shough under center for the Saints with a new weapon in first-round rookie Jordyn Tyson to pair with Chris Olave (who had two TDs in that last game against Chicago).

The Bears can spark the home crowd with an early blowout and build momentum for the rest of the season.