The Chicago Bears' 2025 schedule is out, and there is a likely reunion in store for one of the Bears' most hated rivals.
In Week 12 of the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears will play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers. At one point, this seemed destined to be a Justin Fields' revenge game. Fields opened the 2024 season as the starting quarterback for the Steelers, but after being replaced by Russell Wilson during the season, Fields decided to sign with the New York Jets this offseason.
While the Bears do not play the Jets this season, their game against the Steelers could very well see them renew their rivalry with Aaron Rodgers. A return to the Jets was never in the cards for Rodgers this offseason as new Jets' head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear the veteran quarterback was not welcome back. After flirtations with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers remained on the free-agent market through the 2025 NFL Draft. The Vikings haven't entirely been ruled out, but it looks like Rodgers is all but going to sign with the Steelers.
A rivalry renewed with Aaron Rodgers
Assuming health and his signing with the Steelers, Rodgers starting in Week 12 would mark his first game against the Bears since the 2022 season. Rodgers' last start against the Bears was with the Packers, completing 18 of 31 passes for a total of 182 yards and 1 touchdown. The Packers won the game 28-19. Of course, Rodgers is no stranger to defeating the Bears, entering the 2025 season with a record of 24-5 against his former NFC North rival.
Of course, the Rodgers we saw last season with the Jets was not the same Rodgers who "owns" the Bears. This version of Rodgers can be bet, and Dennis Allen should have ways to make life difficult for the future Hall of Famer. Ben Jonson's hiring was meant to signal a new era for the Bears, and there would be no greater confirmation of that than the team finally handing it to Rodgers.