Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was all smiles after throwing for two touchdowns with no turnovers in the Wild-Card win in Washington. (PHOTO: Jim Biever/Packers.com)

The NFL announced Monday that the Chicago Bears will host the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season opener Thursday night, Sept. 5, that will kick off the 2019 NFL season.

The two rivals first met in 1921 and have played 198 games against each other.

This will be the first year since 2003 in which the defending Super Bowl winner will not play in the season opener. The reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots will also host the Sunday Night Football Week 1 contest against a team to be determined.

Green Bay leads the all-time series by a 97-95-6 margin.