Monday 25 March 2019 20:14, UK
The Chicago Bears will host rivals the Green Bay Packers in the first game of the 2019 NFL season on September 5.
Traditionally, the Super Bowl champions are the home team for the season-opener but the New England Patriots will begin their defence of the Vince Lombardi Trophy on September 8.
The NFL will have the Packers play at the Bears in the Thursday night kick-off at Soldier Field as part of the celebration of its 100th season.
It will be the 200th meeting between the NFC North rivals since 1921, when the Bears were the Chicago Staleys.
Green Bay lead the series 97-95-6 in the regular season, with the clubs splitting two postseason meetings.
New England instead will have their home opener in the prime-time game on Sunday night on September 8 with their opponent yet to be named.
The full schedule will be announced next month.
