Dallas Cowboys vs. Chicago Bears

The NFL’s Week 3 schedule delivers one of the most intriguing matchups of September as the Dallas Cowboys travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. Both teams enter the new season with very different storylines, but each is looking to make a statement in the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign. For Dallas, it’s about proving they can live up to championship expectations. For Chicago, it’s about showing the league that a new era has officially arrived under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

 

Game Details

 

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET (3:25 PM CT / 1:25 PM PT)

Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Broadcast: FOX

Streaming: NFL+ (mobile & tablet), FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, NFL Game Pass International (outside the U.S.)

Cowboys: All Eyes on Defense

The Cowboys once again enter a season boasting one of the most feared defensive units in football. Micah Parsons, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, leads a ferocious pass rush that has the ability to disrupt even the most polished quarterbacks. With Trevon Diggs patrolling the secondary, Dallas thrives on forcing turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes.

 

The offense, meanwhile, runs through Dak Prescott and star wideout CeeDee Lamb. Prescott has faced questions about his consistency in big moments, but he remains the steady hand of the Cowboys’ offense. Lamb has emerged as one of the league’s premier receivers, and his ability to stretch defenses could prove pivotal against Chicago’s developing secondary. The Cowboys will also look to establish a reliable ground game to balance their attack, something that has been inconsistent in recent years.

 

Owner Jerry Jones has made it clear: 2025 is about being “all in” for a Super Bowl run. That sense of urgency will hang over every Dallas game this season.

Bears: Caleb Williams Faces His Biggest Test Yet

The excitement in Chicago is palpable. With Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finally under center, Bears fans are hoping the long search for a franchise quarterback has ended. Williams has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first two games, but this Week 3 clash will be his toughest challenge yet.

The Cowboys’ defense is notorious for overwhelming young quarterbacks, and Williams’ ability to stay poised under pressure will be crucial. Protecting him will be the job of a Bears offensive line that has shown improvement but remains a work in progress. If Williams can extend plays and find his targets particularly DJ Moore and rookie wideout Rome Odunze Chicago could generate enough offense to keep pace.

On defense, the Bears rely on linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and a young secondary that will need to be disciplined against Lamb and Brandin Cooks. The defensive front must also find ways to pressure Prescott without exposing themselves to big passing plays. Soldier Field’s atmosphere will certainly help, as the home crowd will be eager to rattle Dallas.

A Rivalry Rooted in Tradition

Though not division rivals, the Cowboys and Bears have a rich history of memorable games. Dallas leads the all-time series, but Chicago has had its moments especially in primetime matchups at Soldier Field. This meeting comes at a pivotal point: the Cowboys are trying to cement themselves as NFC contenders, while the Bears are attempting to prove that their rebuild under head coach Matt Eberflus is finally bearing fruit.

Keys to the Game

 

1. Protecting the Quarterback: Chicago’s offensive line vs. Dallas’ pass rush may decide the outcome

2. Turnover Battle: The Cowboys feast on takeaways; Williams must avoid costly rookie mistakes.

3. Explosive Plays: Can Dallas connect on deep shots with Lamb, or will the Bears’ receivers create game-changing moments against Dallas’ secondary?

Final Word

The Cowboys-Bears Week 3 clash has the makings of a tone-setting game for both franchises. For Dallas, it’s about flexing their defensive muscle and staying on track for a playoff push. For Chicago, it’s a chance to show the NFL that Caleb Williams is ready for the big stage.

Whether you’re watching on FOX, streaming on NFL+ or another platform, or following internationally through NFL Game Pass, this matchup promises intensity, high stakes, and plenty of storylines to keep fans engaged. One thing is certain: all eyeswill be on Soldier Field when these two storied franchises collide.