Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers to kick off the NFL’s 2019 season

When the NFL’s 100th anniversary season coincides with the 100th season of the Chicago Bears, it makes sense to honor the two in one celebratory kickoff extravaganza.

It’s been widely speculated, but now it’s official, the Green Bay Packers will travel to Soldier Field to play the Bears in the 2019 season opener on Thursday, September 5 at 7:20 p.m. (Chicago time) on NBC.

That game is usually reserved for the Super Bowl champs, but with the 100th anniversary coupled with the Bears being defending NFC North champions, the ratings draw is there to buck tradition and showcase the best rivalry in sports. The Super Bowl winning New England Patriots will get the prime time Sunday Night game.

Chicago will be looking to build off their 12 win 2018 season with reigning Coach of the Year Matt Nagy leading the way, while the Packers will be looking to bounce back after two consecutive losing seasons with new head coach Matt LaFleur at the helm.

This is sure to be a star studded affair with all eight Bears’ Pro Bowlers, Mitchell Trubisky, Cody Whitehair, Charles Leno Jr., Tarik Cohen, Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, and Kyle Fuller set to face off against Green Bay’s Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers.

The last time these two teams faced off in Chicago (12/16/19), the Bears won 24-17 behind Trubisky’s 20 of 28 day passing, 235 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bears defense sacked Rodgers five times that afternoon. That win clinched the division while knocking the Packers out of playoff contention.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA T