NFL schedule 2019: Packers at Bears to begin season

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 06: Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) motions to a receiver in the 2nd quarter during an NFL NFC Wild Card football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears on January 06, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

For the celebration of the 100th NFL season, the Green Bay Packers will visit the Chicago Bears, two of the original franchises.

On Monday afternoon, the NFL officially announced that the Chicago Bear will be playing host to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Sept. 5, to open the league’s 100th season.

While it’s a break in tradition — the regular season typically opens with the defending Super Bowl champion hosting a contest — it makes sense from a historical standpoint. The Bears and Packers are two of the three original franchises still remaining, and have the longest-running rivalry of any two teams.

The Bears actually began their NFL odyssey as the Decatur Staleys back in 1920, while the Packers technically celebrated their 100th season last year. Green Bay predates the league, having played one season as an independent in 1919.

Playing the game in Illinois might also be a subtle nod to the game’s history. In 1920, the NFL played its first game in the state, with the Rock Island Independents hosting the St. Paul Ideals and winning, 48-0.

As for the defending champs, the New England Patriots will be hosting Sunday Night Football over the subsequent weekend. It is yet to be determined who New England will play, but the possibilities include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

Next: Best NFL player from each state

Our money is on Kansas City, who played New England in a classic AFC Championship Game two months ago. If not the Chiefs, the Browns make plenty of sense considering all the hype around them.

Home/NFL Schedule