The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their final game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night at Soldier Field. With the kickoff slated for 7:15 p.m. CT, the Bears are hoping to erase the bitter taste of their nine-game losing streak and play competitively, even as their playoff hopes have long evaporated.
For the Bears, finishing the season on a high note would mean not only overcoming their dismal record of 4-11 but also showcasing growth from their rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. Despite having taken significant hits behind the league's weakest offensive line and suffering 60 sacks this season, Williams needs to lead his team to at least one solid performance before the season wraps up. His ability to start strong will be pivotal, especially since the Bears have scored the fewest first-quarter points—just 17—in the NFL this season.
The Seahawks come to Chicago with their own objectives. Sitting at 8-7, they're vying for playoff positioning and the chance to unseat the Los Angeles Rams at the top of the NFC West. But Seattle's path is tightly wound; they need to beat the Bears and hope for favorable outcomes across the league. If the Seahawks drop this game, their chances at the playoffs could diminish significantly.
Key to the Bears' success against the Seahawks will be their approach from the first play. If they fall behind early—as they have consistently done this season—the chances of them mounting any form of comeback will be bleak. Coach Matt Eberflus knows this all too well, as his team has trailed by at least 20 points several times this season.
“If the Bears fall behind significantly early in the game, there’s minimal chance they can rally from it,” noted one analyst.
Much like the Bears, the Seahawks need to act decisively. They’ll be led by two-time Pro Bowl receiver DK Metcalf, who poses a significant threat to the Bears' beleaguered secondary. Rookie sensation Jaxon Smith-Njigba is also on the radar, ranking fifth among all receivers with 1,089 yards this season. Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, alongside his teammates, will have to play at their best to contain these explosive receivers, as “the Bears need to cover two excellent Seahawks receivers,” as one report emphasized. Success here could tip the scales.
On the injury front, the Bears have plenty to contend with. Gervon Dexter, their standout defensive tackle, will make his return after two games sidelined with knee pain, greatly strengthening their defensive line. Unfortunately, left guard Teven Jenkins and left tackle Braxton Jones will be out with injuries, which raises concerns about the continued protection for Williams. The absence of veterans could mean more challenges against Seattle's defensive front, giving their line an upper hand to control the game.
Seattle isn’t without its own injuries, either, as star running back Kenneth Walker III has been placed on injured reserve, making it tougher for the Seahawks to establish the run. Their offensive has been inconsistent recently; they even attempted only 14 run plays during their last few outings. Their success hinges on the ability to start strong and maintain consistency throughout all four quarters.
“Playing at Soldier Field in late December isn’t exactly ideal for Seattle,” cautioned one sports analyst. The cold weather could affect the Seahawks’ performance, but the Bears have shown they can still put up competitive fights, even against top-tier opponents. What Chicago lacks in overall record, they make up for with competitive spirit. Despite being eliminated from post-season contention, playing spoiler role could be their sanctuary.
Defensively, the Bears have been shaky, allowing over 30 points per game since the firing of Eberflus. They rank seventh for the most yards conceded this season, leaving room for Seattle to capitalize. But Chicago's defense has been good at situational football. It will need to leverage these strengths if they hope to stifle the Seahawks' plans.
“The Bears’ defense is allowing the seventh-most yards per game this season,” but they could still cause trouble for Seattle if they employ tactical flank plays and capitalize on the Seahawks’ known weaknesses.
With the Bears striving to mitigate their losses by finishing their season on high morale, and the Seahawks needing to secure victory to keep alive playoff ambitions, this showdown at Soldier Field is set to deliver on both tension and excitement. All eyes will be on Caleb Williams as he looks to develop under pressure—and the Bears as they make one last call for pride against their visiting rivals.
