Thursday Night Football delivers a meeting between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears on October 22, 2026. If you’re looking for what channel Patriots vs. Bears is on, the key detail is that Prime Video has the national broadcast. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET from Soldier Field in Chicago.
Both teams enter Week 7 at 4-2, setting up a primetime showdown between quarterbacks Drake Maye and Caleb Williams. Fans in Chicago and parts of New England also have over-the-air local television options, making this Thursday night matchup easier to find than a streaming-only game in many other markets. The NFL’s official Week 7 schedule confirms the date, time and national platform.
What Channel Is Patriots vs. Bears On?
Patriots vs. Bears streams nationally on Amazon Prime Video, the home of Thursday Night Football. The Chicago Bears’ official viewing guide confirms that the game will also air locally on FOX32 in Chicago. In New England, the Patriots’ official broadcast guide lists WCVB Channel 5 in the Boston area and WMUR in New Hampshire.
Outside those local television markets, the primary way to watch the live national game is Prime Video, not a traditional nationwide NBC, CBS, FOX or ESPN broadcast.
Patriots vs. Bears Game Details
| Matchup | New England Patriots at Chicago Bears |
| Date | Thursday, October 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. CT / 5:15 p.m. PT |
| National broadcast | Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) |
| Local television | FOX32 Chicago; WCVB Channel 5 Boston; WMUR New Hampshire |
| Streaming | Prime Video; NFL+ on supported phones and tablets, subject to NFL viewing restrictions |
| Venue | Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois |
| Broadcast crew | Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit and Kaylee Hartung |
| NFL week | Week 7 |
How To Watch Patriots vs. Bears Without Cable
To watch on a TV without cable, open Prime Video on a compatible smart television, streaming stick, game console or other supported device. The game is available nationally through Prime Video with eligible access. If you live in Chicago, the FOX32 local simulcast offers another option for viewers who receive the station with an antenna or television provider.
In the Boston and Manchester areas, the local TV broadcasts offer an alternative to streaming through Prime Video. The Patriots also list NFL+ for watching live local and primetime NFL games on supported phones and tablets; device, location and subscription restrictions apply. For international viewers, the Patriots point to NFL Game Pass International on DAZN, where available.
What Time Does Patriots vs. Bears Start?
Kickoff is Thursday, October 22, at 8:15 p.m. Eastern. For fans in Chicago, that’s 7:15 p.m. Central; on the West Coast, it’s 5:15 p.m. Pacific. According to the Bears’ viewing guide, its local FOX32 pregame coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. CT.
Who Is Calling Patriots vs. Bears on Thursday Night Football?
The Patriots’ broadcast information lists Al Michaels on play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit as analyst and Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sideline for Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football production.
Where Is Patriots vs. Bears Being Played?
The game takes place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. It is the Bears’ home game, and the official Chicago schedule confirms the 7:15 p.m. local kickoff and Prime Video/FOX32 coverage.
Patriots vs. Bears: Week 7 Storylines
This matchup pairs two 2024 first-round quarterbacks who have taken different routes to the same 4-2 record. Maye and New England have won three straight games, including a 26-19 victory over the Jets in Week 6. Williams returned from a hamstring injury against Atlanta and helped Chicago win 31-23. As the Patriots’ Week 7 matchup preview notes, Williams looked sharp in his return, completing 30 of 36 passes.
The Patriots face a significant challenge protecting Maye. According to the team’s final Week 7 injury report analysis, starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Ben Brown have been ruled out, along with cornerback Carlton Davis III. New England’s replacements will need to hold up against Chicago’s pass rush while keeping the offense on schedule. On the Bears’ side, injuries to running back Kyle Monangai and linebacker Jack Sanborn also complicate the short week.
The quarterback duel should attract much of the attention, but the line-of-scrimmage battle could decide the game. The Patriots’ official game preview also highlights New England’s strong regular-season history against Chicago, adding another layer to a matchup between two teams trying to gain momentum as November approaches.
How To Listen To Patriots vs. Bears
Chicago’s radio call is available through ESPN Chicago (1000 AM and 100.3 FM HD2), with Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer and Jason McKie. New England’s flagship radio broadcast is on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub, featuring Bob Socci and Scott Zolak. Station coverage and online listening restrictions can vary by market.
Patriots vs. Bears FAQ
What channel is Patriots vs. Bears on tonight?
The game airs nationally on Prime Video. Fans in Chicago can watch on FOX32, while local New England broadcasts are available on WCVB in Boston and WMUR in New Hampshire.
What time is Patriots vs. Bears?
Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT) on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Can I watch Patriots vs. Bears without Amazon Prime?
In the teams’ designated local markets, viewers can use the over-the-air FOX32, WCVB or WMUR broadcasts where receivable. NFL+ is another option on supported phones and tablets, subject to subscription and location restrictions.
Is Patriots vs. Bears on NFL Network?
No. Prime Video carries the national Thursday Night Football broadcast, with the designated local over-the-air simulcasts.
Where are the Patriots and Bears playing?
The game is at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
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