Chicago Bears
When the Saints march north, they face the iron legacy of Chicago's Bears.
The rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears is a classic matchup of NFL history, pitting the city's beloved 'Who Dat' band against the storied legacy of the Windy City's franchise. While not as frequent or intense as some intra-divisional feuds due to conference alignment for decades, their meetings have often carried significant playoff implications and historical weight. This rivalry represents a clash between the traditional, defensive-minded identity of the Bears and the evolving, resilient spirit of New Orleans.
- character
- Inter-Conference Rivalry
- Affiliation
- NFL (NFC vs. AFC)
- First appears
- 1967 Regular Season
- Status
- Active but Sporadic
- Notable Era
- 1980s and 2000s Playoff Meetings
Lore & Background
The most memorable chapter in this rivalry occurred during the playoffs, where the stakes were highest. The 1987 NFC Championship Game stands out as a defining moment, where the Bears' legendary defense held off the Saints in a crucial contest that sent Chicago to the Super Bowl. Decades later, the dynamic shifted when the Saints themselves became a powerhouse, meeting the Bears in high-stakes regular-season games during the Drew Brees era. These encounters often featured dramatic finishes and highlighted the resilience of New Orleans football against a historically tough opponent.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off Lake Michigan as the cold Chicago air bit into the players on Soldier Field. The Saints, clad in their gold and black, stood ready to face the monolithic defense of the Bears. It wasn't just another game; it was a pilgrimage for New Orleans fans traveling north to test their team's mettle against the ghosts of the past. As the quarterback took the snap, the roar of the crowd seemed to echo the history of two cities separated by distance but united by the gridiron.
Reader's Guide
The Saints-Bears rivalry is unique because it transcends simple divisional hatred; it is a historical crossroads where the old guard meets the new. For decades, the Bears represented the pinnacle of NFL toughness, making every victory against them a badge of honor for New Orleans. Memorable moments include the 1987 NFC Championship, where the Saints fell short but proved they belonged among the elite. More recently, games during the Drew Brees era showcased the Saints' ability to dismantle even the most storied defenses with high-powered offense and strategic brilliance. For Saints fans, playing the Bears is a test of legacy. Beating Chicago validates New Orleans as more than just a local favorite but as a force capable of conquering the NFL's historic titans. The emotional stakes are high whenever these two franchises meet on the field.
Did You Know?
- The teams played their first game against each other in the 1967 regular season.
- They met in the 1987 NFC Championship Game, a pivotal moment for both franchises.
- Due to conference alignment, they only play once every four years during the regular season unless meeting in the playoffs.
- The rivalry highlights the contrast between Chicago's defensive history and New Orleans' offensive evolution.