Updated May 29, 2026, 1:37 p.m. CT
The New Orleans Saints have dominated the Chicago Bears over the past decade, but the Bears got the last laugh at Soldier Field last season. The loss was one of the uglier games of the year for New Orleans, with turnovers and issues on defense, as the Bears ran for 200-plus yards and took control of the game.
When the Saints travel back to Chicago this season, they’ll be eying a much cleaner performance in a difficult road environment. Soldier Field isn’t an easy place to play, let alone late in the year. This matchup will be a chance for the Saints to prove they can win on the road.
Upcoming game in Saints vs. BearsWhen: Sunday, Nov. 22 (Week 11) at Noon CTWhere: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL.Record: Saints lead 19-16.Last meeting in Saints vs. BearsBears won 26-14 on Oct. 19, 2025.Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
The Bears beat the Saints last October behind a physical rushing attack and a defense that continuously put New Orleans in bad spots. Chicago ran for 222 yards as a team, and D’Andre Swift led the way with 124 rushing yards on 6.5 yards per carry. Their defense also forced four turnovers from Spencer Rattler, including three interceptions. The turnovers prevented him and the Saints’ offense from building any real offensive rhythm. New Orleans trimmed the deficit to 20-14 in the third quarter, but the Bears closed out the game with their defense and by winning the field-position battle.
Common connections in Saints vs. BearsBears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen spent much of his coaching career in New Orleans. He had a short run as the Saints’ head coach from 2022-24 and will now be facing his former team this upcoming season.Chicago also has two other former Saints assistants on their staff. Offensive line coach Dan Roushar spent a decade in New Orleans in several roles. Senior defensive assistant Bill Johnson coached the Saints’ defensive line and was part of the franchise’s Super Bowl-winning staff.Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. BearsChicago’s offense is still built around young quarterback Caleb Williams, who showed that he can be effecient enough to win in the last meeting. They did, though, trade standout wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Chicago later traded the pick to the Tennessee Titans. In Moore’s absence, young wideouts Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze are expected to take significant leaps in production.The Bears signed former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl-winning safety Coby Bryant to a three-year deal worth $40 million in free agency. Bryant played a career-high 977 snaps in 2025, intercepting four passes and finishing with 64 total tackles.The Saints’ run defense should be much better than it was in 2025, when the Bears controlled the game with their rushing attack. New Orleans selected former Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This matchup should tell a lot about whether the Saints have grown from one of their sloppiest losses of the 2025 season. It’s not the same exact team, but much of the supporting cast has returned — and it’ll be interesting to see if they can avenge their 2025 loss. New Orleans has to start with their ball security and physicality in the running game. If the Saints can get Travis Etienne Jr. and their running backs going early, it will open up the passing game for Tyler Shough and the young wideouts. Defensively, the Saints must force Caleb Williams to carry more of the load, rather than allowing Chicago to lean on its rushing attack. Williams is well-known for his off-schedule throws, but the Saints would be better off forcing him into those situations instead of getting outplayed physically in the run game while the Bears dominate the clock.
