Two of the NFL’s oldest franchises and one of the game’s best rivalries will likely open the league’s 100th anniversary season with a primetime matchup in Chicago.
Green Bay Packers team president Mark Murphy confirmed there’s a “good chance” the Packers and Bears will open the 2019 NFL season with a Thursday night game at Soldier Field.
“I can’t imagine a better way to start the season,” Murphy wrote in his monthly “Murphy Takes 5” column.
Several media outlets reported during Super Bowl week that the NFL was highly considering having the Packers and Bears open the 2019 season.
The matchup would be a break from the norm, as the Super Bowl champion has played in the opener every year since 2006. The NFL likely sees an opportunity to celebrate its 100th season with a matchup between the league’s oldest rivals.
The Packers and Bears first played in 1921. They’ve met 198 total times. The Packers lead the series, 97-95-2.
Although the Packers came from behind to beat the Bears at Lambeau Field in Week 1 last season, Chicago returned the favor by clinching the NFC North title with a win over Green Bay at Soldier Field in December.
The NFL’s official schedule will come out in April.
