
Introduction
The National Football League (NFL) is filled with historic rivalries, dynasties, and iconic clashes that shape the culture of American football. Among these matchups, the Chicago Bears vs Kansas City Chiefs fixture may not be considered a classic rivalry, but it has proven to be one of the more intriguing inter-conference battles over the years.
On one side, we have the Chicago Bears, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in NFL history, known for their defense-first identity, legendary players, and iconic moments. On the other side, the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that emerged from the old American Football League (AFL) to become one of the most dominant franchises of the modern NFL era, especially in the Patrick Mahomes years.
Although the Bears and Chiefs belong to different conferences (NFC North and AFC West respectively), their occasional meetings often capture attention because of the contrast in history, styles of play, and cultural identity. From Super Bowl connections to Hall of Fame players, from defensive showdowns to offensive showcases, this matchup has given fans memorable chapters.
This article provides an in-depth look at Bears vs Chiefs—covering history, iconic games, legendary players, tactical battles, fan perspectives, and what the future holds.
Historical Background
The Chicago Bears
- Founded: 1920 (as Decatur Staleys, became Chicago Bears in 1922)
- Conference/Division: NFC North
- Super Bowl Titles: 1 (1985), NFL Championships: 8 (pre-Super Bowl era)
- Identity: Known for their legendary defenses, including the “Monsters of the Midway” in the 1940s and the iconic 1985 Super Bowl XX champions led by coach Mike Ditka, linebacker Mike Singletary, and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan.
The Bears are a cornerstone of the NFL’s foundation. Their legacy includes George Halas (founding father of the NFL), Walter Payton (one of the greatest running backs of all time), and a commitment to tough, defensive-minded football.

The Kansas City Chiefs
- Founded: 1960 (as Dallas Texans, moved to Kansas City in 1963)
- Conference/Division: AFC West
- Super Bowl Titles: 3 (1970, 2020, 2023)
- Identity: A team born from the AFL, the Chiefs became trailblazers by winning Super Bowl IV, securing legitimacy for the upstart league. In the modern era, they have transformed into an offensive juggernaut under Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid.
The Chiefs’ history includes Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, Tony Gonzalez, and now Mahomes—players who shaped the NFL across eras.
The Bears vs Chiefs Connection: Super Bowl IV
One of the most significant historical links between the franchises is Super Bowl IV (1970).
- The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23–7 in New Orleans.
- Why is this relevant? The Vikings were NFC Central champions, a division rival of the Bears. The Chiefs’ triumph over the Vikings carried symbolic weight for Chicago fans—especially since it proved the AFL could beat the NFL’s best.
While the Bears weren’t directly in that game, the Chiefs’ success against their division rivals linked the two franchises in football history.
Series History
Because the Bears and Chiefs play in different conferences, they only meet once every four years (except in preseason).
- First Meeting: 1973, Bears won 23–14.
- Overall Head-to-Head (as of 2023):
- Total Games: 14
- Chiefs Wins: 8
- Bears Wins: 6
The matchup is balanced historically, with long gaps between meetings adding freshness each time they face off.
Iconic Games in Bears vs Chiefs History
1973 – First Meeting (Bears 23, Chiefs 14)
The Bears won the first official meeting, led by quarterback Bobby Douglass and their rugged running game.
1986 – Bears 31, Chiefs 7
The defending Super Bowl champions (Bears) dominated the Chiefs in Soldier Field. The ’85 defense carried momentum into the following season, shutting down Kansas City.
1996 – Bears 35, Chiefs 20
A surprising result, as the Bears upset a strong Chiefs team led by Marty Schottenheimer. This was one of Chicago’s brighter moments in an otherwise inconsistent decade.
2003 – Chiefs 37, Bears 27
A shootout featuring Priest Holmes and Dante Hall for the Chiefs, showcasing Kansas City’s explosive offense under Dick Vermeil.
2015 – Bears 18, Chiefs 17
A dramatic comeback by Jay Cutler’s Bears, who scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to upset the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
2019 – Chiefs 26, Bears 3
Patrick Mahomes put on a show at Soldier Field, scoring touchdowns and even mocking the Bears for passing on him in the 2017 draft (Chicago selected QB Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2 instead of Mahomes, who went No. 10). This game reignited conversations about one of the biggest draft “what-ifs” in NFL history.
2023 – Chiefs 41, Bears 10
A dominant display by the Chiefs in Arrowhead. Mahomes threw three touchdowns, Travis Kelce found the endzone, and the Bears struggled defensively. The storyline also gained attention due to Taylor Swift attending the game to support Kelce, making it a cultural event as well.

The Draft Connection: Trubisky vs Mahomes
One of the defining elements of Bears vs Chiefs history is the 2017 NFL Draft:
- Chicago Bears traded up to select quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2 overall.
- Kansas City Chiefs selected quarterback Patrick Mahomes at No. 10 overall.
The Bears’ decision has become infamous, as Trubisky struggled to live up to expectations, while Mahomes has become arguably the most talented quarterback in NFL history, winning multiple MVPs and Super Bowls.
Whenever the Bears face the Chiefs, this storyline resurfaces, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Chicago Bears Legends Against the Chiefs
- Walter Payton (RB): Faced the Chiefs in the 1970s/80s, leaving his mark with his trademark power and elegance.
- Brian Urlacher (LB): Anchored the Bears’ defense during the 2000s, including games against the Chiefs.
- Jay Cutler (QB): Delivered the famous 2015 comeback win.
- Khalil Mack (LB): Brought pressure in the 2019 matchup, though the Bears couldn’t contain Mahomes.
Kansas City Chiefs Legends Against the Bears
- Len Dawson (QB): The original Chiefs superstar, Hall of Famer from the 1960s/70s.
- Derrick Thomas (LB): One of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history, terrorized quarterbacks including Chicago’s.
- Priest Holmes (RB): Exploded in the 2003 meeting.
- Patrick Mahomes (QB): Central figure in modern matchups, especially with the Trubisky draft storyline.
- Travis Kelce (TE): A constant mismatch, punishing the Bears’ secondary in multiple meetings.
Tactical Contrast
Chicago Bears Style
- Traditionally built on defense first.
- Emphasis on running the ball (Walter Payton, Matt Forte, David Montgomery).
- Struggled with quarterback consistency, often limiting their offensive explosiveness.
Kansas City Chiefs Style
- Historically versatile, but in the Mahomes era, they’ve become synonymous with high-octane passing offense.
- Andy Reid’s play-calling emphasizes creativity, speed, and mismatches.
- Weapons like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill (before his trade), and deep WR rotations make them dangerous.
Result in Matchups
- The Bears often try to slow the game with defense and ground attacks.
- The Chiefs spread the field, forcing Chicago to keep up offensively—a challenge given the Bears’ struggles at QB.
Fan Perspectives
- Bears Fans: See the Chiefs as a measuring stick. Games against Kansas City often highlight Chicago’s offensive shortcomings, particularly in the post-Trubisky years.
- Chiefs Fans: Enjoy the bragging rights of having Mahomes while Chicago passed on him. Every matchup serves as a reminder of their franchise-altering decision in 2017.
- Shared Respect: Both fanbases appreciate their blue-collar football cultures—Chicago for its legacy, Kansas City for its passionate Arrowhead atmosphere.
Cultural Moments
- Taylor Swift at Bears vs Chiefs (2023): The global superstar attending the game to support Travis Kelce turned the matchup into a pop-culture event.
- Draft Day Regrets: National media often frame Bears-Chiefs games around the 2017 draft decision, creating one of the NFL’s most infamous “what-ifs.”
- Super Bowl Legacy: Chiefs’ 1970 triumph over the Vikings ties indirectly to Chicago’s division history.
Future of the Rivalry
Looking ahead:
- Chiefs: With Mahomes locked in long-term, Kansas City will remain contenders for the next decade.
- Bears: Building around young QB Justin Fields (or his successor if the team pivots), the Bears aim to regain competitiveness.
Every four years, when they meet, the question will linger: Can Chicago finally compete toe-to-toe with Mahomes’ Chiefs?
Conclusion
The Chicago Bears vs Kansas City Chiefs matchup may not have the frequency of divisional rivalries, but its history is filled with unique storylines: from Walter Payton to Patrick Mahomes, from 1980s defensive dominance to modern offensive fireworks, and from draft-day regrets to cultural moments that transcend sports.
For Bears fans, the Chiefs represent both a painful reminder of what could have been (Mahomes over Trubisky) and a chance to prove their toughness against the NFL’s modern powerhouse. For Chiefs fans, Chicago is a respected opponent but also a backdrop to their own franchise’s rise.
Whenever the Bears and Chiefs meet, fans know they are watching a clash of tradition vs innovation, defense vs offense, history vs modern dominance. It may not be an annual rivalry, but each meeting adds another memorable chapter to NFL history.
