11 fun facts about Bears’ 2024 schedule

The Bears unveiled their complete 2024 schedule on Wednesday night, revealing several intriguing details about their 17-game lineup:

1. Chicago kicks off the season facing three consecutive AFC opponents (Titans, Texans, and Colts), marking the first occurrence in 25 years. The last instance was under head coach Dick Jauron’s inaugural season in 1999.

2. Interestingly, the Bears will conclude their season against the Packers for the second consecutive year, a first-time event in their lengthy rivalry history dating back to 1921.

3. Opening against the Titans marks the first time ever for the Bears, including when the franchise was based in Houston. Additionally, the Bears have never faced the Eagles, Panthers, Saints, Patriots, Jets, Raiders, or Broncos in Week 1.

4. The Bears’ first NFC North matchup won’t occur until their 10th game of the season against the Packers, the longest wait in franchise history.

5. Preseason and early regular-season games against AFC opponents will dominate the Bears’ schedule, with their first seven matchups being against AFC teams.

6. Despite a tradition of prime-time games against the Packers, the Bears might not have a night showdown for the second straight year, though scheduling adjustments could alter this.

7. Three consecutive games against AFC opponents haven’t happened since 2018 for the Bears.

8. They’ll face three teams that finished fourth in their divisions: Panthers, Commanders, and Patriots.

9. Based on 2023 records, the Bears have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this year, with seven games against 2023 playoff teams.

10. Three consecutive road games are on the horizon for the Bears, a rarity since 2008.

11. Thanksgiving matchups against the Lions continue, with the Bears visiting Detroit for the fourth time in seven seasons. Additionally, they’ll face three divisional opponents in a 12-day span for the first time since 2018.