When the Chicago Bears needed to rebound, they did so emphatically. A 31-23 win over the Falcons is what the doctor ordered. Up next is a prove-it game. Here's how to watch the Bears as they play the New England Patriots on a short week and on primetime this upcoming Thursday.
Head coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears looks on from the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on November 29, 1992 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bears 27-14.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 18: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Huntington Bank Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Bears will hand out fake mustaches to fans on Thursday night as part of their plan to honor Mike Ditka, who died earlier this month. The first 10,000 fans will also receive a Bears knit headband inspired by Ditka's trademark sweater.
When the Chicago Bears host the New England Patriots, Bears head coach Ben Johnson has already marked specific players to watch for. For the Pats, star cornerback Christian Gonzales is one, while quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver AJ Brown are others.
WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL The Patriots’ secondary is much better than the one quarterback Caleb Williams torched in Atlanta, which narrows his margins for decision-making, quickness and throwing accuracy.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 26: Head Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears gets carried off the field after they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bears won the Super Bowl 46-10.
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots embrace after the game at Soldier Field on Nov. 10, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A Chicago Bears player’s helmet on the bench against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 18: Chicago defensive coordinator Dennis Allen reacts on the sideline during the NFL game between the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons on October 18th, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Playing their first game since the man synonymous with their franchise died, the Bears paid tribute to Hall of Fame player and legendary coach Mike Ditka on Thursday night at Soldier Field. The team stenciled a football with Ditka's No. 89 on it onto the northwest sideline.
CHICAGO (WGN) — Before the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams square off against the New England Patriots and Drake Maye — and later during halftime — Soldier Field played host to a number of celebrations in honor of Da Coach, Mike Ditka.
Related updates
Separate coverage close to this update in time and subject.
