The Seattle Seahawks face off against the Chicago Bears for their Week 17 matchup on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at 8:15 p.m. ET, at Soldier Field, Chicago. While the Seahawks strive to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Bears seek to end their unfortunate nine-game losing streak.
The stakes can't be higher for both teams. The Seahawks, with their 8-7 record, trail the Los Angeles Rams by just one game for the lead in the NFC West. After having lost their last two games against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, the Seahawks need to win to maintain any realistic shot at the postseason. "The destiny’s out of our hands right now. That stings," reflected Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. "But we’ve got a lot to play for, still. We’re just gonna keep hammering away until this thing cracks." Their path includes facing the struggling Bears, who have been embroiled in controversy and strife since their early season struggles, recently firing head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
The Bears, now 4-11, have suffered through significant changes and challenges this season. With interim coach Thomas Brown at the helm, they are seeking any semblance of success to salvage what's left of their season and boost morale. Tight end Cole Kmet expressed the urgency of winning, stating, "I think it would just be good for morale. Obviously, it doesn’t mean much for playoffs or anything like tha,t but just good for morale. It would just be, I think, uplifting for the locker room at this point." After beating the Jacksonville Jaguars back in Week 6, Chicago hasn't tasted victory since, with their latest defeat against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions marking their ninth consecutive loss, some by significant margins.
The key players to watch include Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who leads the charge offensively. Seattle's game plan appears heavily reliant on Smith's ability to move the ball efficiently downfield. Meanwhile, as the team encounters injuries, particularly with running back Kenneth Walker III sidelined, Zach Charbonnet is expected to take on the primary running duties yet again. Charbonnet has proven effective, having averaged 4.3 yards per carry this season.
For the Bears, Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick, is trying to prove himself capable of guiding his team through tough times. He's made strides, such as extending his record of consecutive passing attempts without interception, now at 326. Reportedly, Williams could also break the club record for passing yards set by Erik Kramer if he accumulates enough yardage over the remaining weeks.
The Seahawks enter Soldier Field with momentum as slight favorites, currently set at -4, according to current betting lines. The total points for this evening's contest have been set at 42.5, indicating expectations of low-scoring affairs based on both teams’ current performances.
Upcoming matchups reveal pivotal battles, as both defenses will have to step up dramatically to stifle opposing offensive threats. The Seahawks' defensive front, spearheaded by players like Riq Woolen, who was recently benched for breaking team rules, will aim to contain Williams and his developing skill set. Coach Macdonald stated, "There’s some team rules throughout the week, and just felt like it was the best thing for the team and for him to not start the game," alluding to the necessity for discipline amid the team's struggles.
Overall, this clash promises to be more than just about playoff standings; it's also about rectifying misfortunes and fortifying team morale. Will the Seahawks retain hope for the playoffs, or can the Bears turn their season around with one much-needed victory?
