NFL rivalry trumps Super Bowl champs

PHOENIX

As part of the celebration of its 100th season, the NFL will break from tradition and feature the Packers vs. the Bears in its season opener Sept. 5.

Usually, the Super Bowl champion is the home team for the prime-time opener, but the league wants to salute historic rivalries in 2019. None fits better than Chicago-Green Bay.

The teams have met 198 times since 1921, when the Bears were the Chicago Staleys. Green Bay leads the series 97-95-6, including the clubs splitting two postseason games.

Staging the Thursday night game at Chicago’s Soldier Field — even if it is a modernized version of the stadium — adds to the theme.

This will be the first time since 2003 the Super Bowl champion has not hosted the opener. New England instead will open at home in the prime-time game on Sept. 8. The opponent has not yet been determined.

The full schedule will be announced next month.