The Chicago Bears will take on the Cleveland Browns at Soldier Field in what could be one of the coldest games in history.
With wind chill values as low as -15 degrees for the 12 p.m. kickoff on Sunday, the Bears on Friday announced a number of “enhanced game day measures” designed to help keep fans warm. Three warming centers will be opened, according to the team, and battery-operated clothing — like heated vests — will be permitted but could be subject to additional screening.
Details on additional safety measures can be found here.
As the Bears face pressure in pursuit of their first playoff appearance since 2020, here’s what fans need to know about game day, including the big challenge awaiting the Bears and more.
What time is the Bears vs. Browns game?
Kickoff is planned for 12 p.m. CT.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Fox and on ESPN Chicago radio (1000 AM, 100.3 FM HD2). It will also air on 93.5 FM in Spanish.
Increased pressure on the Bears’ offensive line
Amid the cold, the Bears will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to the Packers, though they face a big challenge in the Browns’ Myles Garrett.
“He’s just a complete player,” Chicago coach Ben Johnson said Wednesday. “I think when you look at the size and strength and speed, it’s just a unique package where he really has it all.”
Garrett has at least one sack in his last seven games and a career-high 20 in 13 starts this year. The NFL record is 22 1/2 shared by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt.
“Obviously, he’s right there at the sack record, almost there at the sack record,” Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said. “And so I’m going to try and make sure that he doesn’t get the sack record on us and on me.”
Garrett’s presence — along with Cleveland’s aggressive style under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz — puts pressure on Chicago’s offensive line to protect Williams and clear the way for D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai to run the ball.
The stakes are high for Chicago, which is going for the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2020. The Bears (9-4) were on top of the NFC North before Sunday’s 28-21 loss at Green Bay.
Even with its stellar defense, Cleveland (3-10) has dropped two in a row and five of six overall. After the Browns game, the Bears host the division-leading Packers on Dec. 20.
Remaining schedule
After an attempt at redemption against the Packers on Dec. 20, the Bears only have a few regular season games left.
Sunday, Dec. 28: at San Francisco 7:20 p.m. (NBC)
TBD Week 18: vs. Detroit TBD
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