How to Watch the Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns: Time, TV Channel, Streaming Info and Everything You Need to Know
Football fans will have an intriguing preseason matchup to watch as the Chicago Bears host the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason. The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Although preseason games do not count toward the regular-season standings, this matchup carries plenty of interest. Both teams are using the contest to evaluate players, test different combinations and prepare for the long season ahead. For Cleveland in particular, the quarterback situation gives the game an additional storyline.
When is Bears vs. Browns?
The Bears and Browns will meet on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, which means the game begins at noon Central Time in Chicago. The contest will be played at Soldier Field, home of the Bears.
For fans planning to watch from outside the United States, the kickoff time will obviously depend on their local time zone. Because preseason schedules can be easy to confuse with regular-season games, checking the local listing before kickoff is recommended.
What TV channel is showing the game?
The matchup will be available through local broadcasts as well as NFL programming.
The Chicago Bears’ official schedule lists the game on the Chicago Bears Network on FOX32, while the Browns’ official information lists WEWS News 5 as Cleveland’s local television outlet.
The NFL’s schedule also lists the game for NFL Network, giving fans another option depending on their television package and location.
Because preseason television availability can vary by market, viewers should check their local listings to determine which channel carries the game in their area.
How can you stream Bears vs. Browns?
Fans looking to watch online have several possibilities.
The Cleveland Browns’ official “How to Watch” information lists NFL+ as a streaming option for the matchup.
NFL+ is particularly relevant for fans who want to follow preseason games on supported devices. Availability and viewing restrictions can vary depending on the user’s location and the specific NFL+ package, so viewers should verify the details before kickoff.
Fans who have access to NFL Network through a participating television provider may also be able to stream the broadcast through the network’s authenticated digital services.
A major quarterback storyline
One of the biggest reasons to watch this preseason game is Cleveland’s quarterback situation.
According to a report published Wednesday, Browns head coach Todd Monken has decided that Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener against Chicago. Monken said Watson is expected to play the first half before Shedeur Sanders takes over in the second half.
That makes the game particularly important for Watson, who is attempting to return to form after missing significant time because of injuries. His performance will be closely monitored as Cleveland evaluates its quarterback options.
Sanders will also have an opportunity to make an impression when he enters the game. Cleveland has indicated that Sanders is scheduled to start the following preseason game against Buffalo, making these early contests important parts of the team’s evaluation process.
What about Chicago?
The Bears also have plenty to evaluate.
Chicago is entering the preseason with expectations surrounding a roster that finished the previous season with an 11-6 record and won the NFC North, according to the team’s recent schedule coverage.
The preseason gives coaches an opportunity to determine which players are ready for larger roles, especially among younger players and those competing for roster spots.
One of the biggest questions for fans will be how much the Bears’ starters play. Preseason workloads are often carefully managed, meaning some established players may receive only limited snaps—or potentially not play at all.
That is especially important for fans tuning in specifically to watch quarterback Caleb Williams. Preseason playing time is determined by the coaching staff, so supporters should not assume that every major starter will appear for an extended period.
Why this game matters
Preseason results do not count toward the regular-season record, but the games remain important for coaches and players.
For rookies and younger players, preseason opportunities can determine whether they earn roster spots or move up the depth chart. For veterans, the games provide a chance to establish rhythm without the same stakes associated with regular-season competition.
Coaches can also experiment with offensive formations, defensive packages and special-teams combinations.
That makes preseason football less about the final score and more about evaluation.
For Cleveland, the quarterback competition and Watson’s return make this matchup particularly compelling. For Chicago, the focus will be on developing depth and determining which players can contribute when the regular season begins.
The bottom line
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET / noon CT
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
- TV: NFL Network, with local broadcasts including FOX32 in the Chicago market and WEWS News 5 in Cleveland
- Streaming: NFL+ and other market-dependent authenticated services
- Key storyline: Deshaun Watson is scheduled to start for Cleveland, with Shedeur Sanders expected to take over in the second half.
Ultimately, Bears-Browns is more than just another preseason game. It is an opportunity for players to compete for jobs, coaches to evaluate their personnel and fans to get an early glimpse of what their teams might look like when the games finally begin to count.
With quarterback questions in Cleveland and high expectations surrounding Chicago, there should be plenty to watch when the two teams meet at Soldier Field.
