If you are searching how can i watch the bears game today, the Chicago Bears are back on the field Saturday as they host the Cleveland Browns in the opening game of their 2026 preseason schedule. The matchup is set for noon Central Time at Soldier Field in Chicago, giving fans their first opportunity to watch the Bears in live game action ahead of the regular season.
The preseason opener comes with an important twist for Chicago viewers: quarterback Caleb Williams and several other projected starters are expected to remain on the sideline. Head coach Ben Johnson has confirmed that backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start, with the team using the game primarily to evaluate players competing for roster spots and positions on the depth chart.
Bears vs. Browns Game Details
Here are the key details fans need to know:
- Teams: Cleveland Browns vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Kickoff: Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- National TV: NFL Network
- Chicago local broadcast: FOX 32
- Bears starting quarterback: Tyson Bagent
- Caleb Williams: Not expected to play
- Game: 2026 NFL preseason, Week 1
For viewers in the Eastern Time Zone, kickoff is at 1 p.m. For fans in Mountain Time, the game begins at 11 a.m., while West Coast viewers can tune in at 10 a.m. Pacific.
The game is particularly interesting because the two teams are taking different approaches to their quarterbacks. Chicago is resting Williams, while Cleveland plans to give veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson significant playing time before turning to Shedeur Sanders.
What Channel Is the Bears Game On Today?
The Bears-Browns preseason matchup is scheduled to air nationally on NFL Network.
That makes NFL Network the primary television destination for viewers who live outside the Chicago area and want to watch the game through a national broadcast.
Chicago-area viewers also have a local option. The Bears’ preseason television coverage is being carried locally by FOX 32, giving fans in the market another way to follow the game.
Because local television availability can vary by market and provider, viewers should check their local listings before kickoff. This is especially important for fans watching outside Chicago, where the local Bears broadcast may not be available.
For fans who already receive NFL Network through a cable, satellite or live-TV package, watching the game should be straightforward. Simply check the channel lineup for NFL Network and tune in before kickoff.
How to Stream the Bears Game Today
Fans who have moved away from traditional cable have several options to explore.
NFL Network is available through a number of participating television and streaming providers. If your live-TV streaming package includes NFL Network, you may be able to watch the game through that service.
NFL+ is another official option for eligible preseason viewing. Availability and restrictions depend on the type of subscription and the viewer’s location, so fans should review the current NFL+ access rules before relying on it as their primary viewing option.
Chicago viewers should also check whether FOX 32 is available through their existing streaming television service. If the local FOX affiliate is included, the preseason broadcast may be accessible through that platform.
The safest approach for fans who are unsure is to check the NFL’s current viewing information for their location before the game begins. Broadcast rights can differ between local and national markets, particularly during preseason games.
Can You Watch the Bears Game Without Cable?
Yes, depending on your location and the services you already use.
Cord-cutters have become an increasingly important part of the NFL audience, and preseason games can be easier to find through a combination of local broadcast coverage, NFL Network and league streaming options.
If you live in Chicago and receive FOX 32 through an available local television service, that may provide the simplest alternative to cable.
If you live outside Chicago, NFL Network is the more important option to investigate. Fans should check whether their existing live-TV streaming subscription carries the network.
NFL+ can also be useful for fans looking for an official league-based streaming option, although its live-game availability is subject to NFL rules and location restrictions.
It is best to avoid unofficial streams. They can disappear without warning, provide poor video quality and potentially create security concerns for viewers.
What Time Does the Bears Game Start?
The Bears’ preseason opener against Cleveland begins at noon Central Time.
That translates to:
- 1 p.m. Eastern
- 12 p.m. Central
- 11 a.m. Mountain
- 10 a.m. Pacific
The game is being played at Soldier Field, so Chicago-area fans should be ready shortly before noon.
For those watching through a streaming service, opening the broadcast early is recommended. Preseason coverage can include team updates, roster information and discussion about players who are expected to receive significant playing time.
Is Caleb Williams Playing Today?
No. Caleb Williams is not expected to play in Chicago’s preseason opener.
Head coach Ben Johnson has confirmed that Williams will sit out the matchup against Cleveland, along with a number of other Bears starters. Johnson explained that the coaching staff is evaluating the team’s overall workload and does not necessarily need Williams to receive preseason game snaps to assess his preparation.
Williams has already been working extensively with the offense during training camp, and Chicago has joint practices and additional preseason games ahead.
That decision means today’s matchup will look considerably different from a regular-season Bears game. Fans tuning in specifically to watch Williams should not expect the starting quarterback to take the field.
Instead, the game provides an opportunity to evaluate the players behind him and several position battles that remain unresolved.
Tyson Bagent Gets the Start
With Williams sitting out, Tyson Bagent is scheduled to start at quarterback for Chicago.
Bagent has previous NFL experience with the Bears and has been given opportunities to operate the offense in preseason situations. Johnson indicated that Bagent is expected to play roughly the first half, giving him an extended opportunity to establish rhythm and demonstrate his command of the offense.
Case Keenum and undrafted rookie Miller Moss are also part of Chicago’s quarterback group, giving the coaching staff additional players to evaluate.
For Bagent, the preseason opener represents more than simply another exhibition. Every meaningful snap can help strengthen his position as the team’s backup quarterback and give the coaching staff confidence in its depth.
Why the Bears Game Still Matters Without the Starters
Preseason results do not count toward the regular-season standings, but the games remain extremely important for players trying to make the roster.
Chicago has several position battles that need to be evaluated before the regular season arrives. Coaches can watch players execute the offense and defense against another team rather than simply relying on practice performances.
The Bears can also evaluate how younger players respond to the speed and physicality of an actual NFL game.
For many players, preseason games are their best opportunity to show that they deserve a roster spot.
A strong performance can change a player’s place on the depth chart, while an inconsistent outing can create questions heading into the next week.
The Left Tackle Competition Is One Storyline to Watch
One of the most notable battles entering the preseason opener is at left tackle.
With Braxton Jones sidelined by injury, Chicago is expected to use Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. in the competition.
The Bears have planned to divide their playing time, allowing both players to receive opportunities to demonstrate what they can do in live action.
That makes the offensive line one of the most important areas to monitor against Cleveland.
Protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities in the running game will be critical. Although the Bears are not putting their entire starting offense on the field, the performance of players competing for starting and backup jobs could influence decisions later in training camp.
Players Beyond the Quarterback Position to Watch
With Williams unavailable, the focus will naturally shift to other players.
Young offensive players are likely to receive additional opportunities. Receivers, running backs and tight ends can benefit from increased playing time, particularly when some veterans are held out.
The defensive side of the ball also deserves attention.
Chicago’s younger defenders will be competing for rotational roles and special-teams opportunities. Rookies and second-year players can use the preseason to demonstrate that they are ready to contribute when the regular season begins.
Training-camp performances create the first impression, but game action gives coaches another layer of information.
That is why preseason football can be especially important for players near the roster bubble.
What to Watch From the Browns
Cleveland’s quarterback situation adds another major storyline to the game.
The Browns are expected to start Deshaun Watson, who is scheduled to play the first half before Shedeur Sanders takes over. Cleveland is using the preseason to evaluate its quarterback situation, making the game important for both teams even though it does not affect the standings.
Watson’s return to preseason action has generated significant attention after injuries limited his availability in recent seasons.
Sanders also has an opportunity to make an impression as he competes for a larger role.
That gives Saturday’s game a quarterback storyline on both sidelines, even though Chicago’s starting quarterback will not participate.
How to Follow the Bears Game on Radio
Fans who cannot watch the game can follow Chicago’s radio coverage.
Bears radio coverage provides an alternative for people who are driving, working or otherwise unable to watch the television broadcast.
English-language coverage is available through the Bears’ radio network, including ESPN Chicago, while Spanish-language coverage is also available.
Radio can be especially useful during preseason because it allows fans to follow roster developments and individual performances without needing access to a television broadcast.
What Comes After the Browns Game?
The Bears’ preseason schedule continues with road matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans.
Chicago’s next preseason test comes against Cincinnati, followed by the final preseason game against Tennessee.
Those games will give coaches additional opportunities to evaluate players before the regular season begins.
The preseason is particularly important this year because Chicago’s roster includes several players competing for roles across the depth chart. Every game provides more evidence that can influence final roster decisions.
When Does the Bears Regular Season Begin?
The preseason is only the beginning.
Chicago’s 2026 regular-season opener is scheduled for September 13 against the Carolina Panthers.
That gives the Bears several weeks to evaluate the roster, manage workloads and prepare the team for meaningful games.
For Williams, the focus remains on getting ready for the regular season rather than accumulating preseason snaps.
For the players behind him, however, today’s game can be a major opportunity.
The Best Way to Watch Today’s Bears Game
If you want the simplest answer, start by checking NFL Network for the national broadcast.
Chicago-area viewers should also check FOX 32, which is carrying the local preseason broadcast.
Fans without cable can investigate whether their existing live-TV streaming service carries NFL Network or their local FOX affiliate. NFL+ is another official option worth checking for preseason availability based on your location and subscription.
Because availability differs by market, viewers should verify their provider before kickoff rather than assuming a particular channel or service will carry the game.
Final Thoughts
The Bears’ preseason opener against the Browns is an important first look at Chicago’s roster even though several of the team’s biggest names will not play.
Caleb Williams is expected to watch from the sideline, leaving Tyson Bagent to lead the offense. Meanwhile, players competing for roster spots, starting positions and backup roles will have an opportunity to make their case.
For fans asking how can i watch the bears game today, the main options are NFL Network nationally and FOX 32 for viewers in the Chicago market, with additional streaming possibilities depending on location and subscription.
The matchup should provide an early indication of which young players are ready to make an impact and which position battles could become major storylines as the Bears move closer to the regular season.
Are you tuning in for Bears vs. Browns today? Share which Chicago player you are most excited to watch and stay connected for the latest Bears news and updates.