By [Patrick Finley](https://chicago.suntimes.com/authors/patrick-finley)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Cairo Santos #8 of the Chicago Bears kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter to beat the Green Bay Packers 24-22 at Lambeau Field on January 05, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151587
Ben Johnson’s first home game against the rival Packers will come on a Saturday.
The Bears will host the Packers on Saturday Dec. 20 on Fox, the network announced Monday. They will be the back end of a Week 16 doubleheader, which is preceded by the Eagles playing at the Commanders.
The Saturday start could line the Bears up for a Christmas Day game. Last year, all six teams that played either the Thursday or Saturday before Christmas then played on Dec. 25. Christmas Day falls on a Thursday this year, though, and teams are used to playing on Thursdays following Sunday games.
Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, caught the attention of his new rivals and opposing head coach when he said at his opening press conference that he enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year while with the Lions. LaFleur said later that he didn’t have a previous relationship with Johnson and that he presumed the coach was simply playing to the Bears’ fan base.
The announcement is part of the lead up to the full revelation of the NFL schedule on Wednesday. International games will be set Tuesday. The Bears won’t be part of a game overseas, as they’re not scheduled to play any of the teams hosting games next year.
NFL teams have known their opponents since the end of last season.