Seahawks vs Bears key storylines
1. Seattle's defense just delivered a statement: The Seahawks held Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to three points in primetime. Caleb Williams gets a demanding follow-up assignment after leading Chicago past New England in a high-scoring game last Thursday.
2. Watch Seattle's left tackle situation: Charles Cross reportedly suffered a high ankle sprain and is likely to miss time. His availability matters against a Chicago defense getting Montez Sweat back from suspension. That's a protection matchup worth circling.
3. Chicago gets extra recovery time: The Bears played Thursday in Week 7. Seattle played Sunday night. Both now prepare for Monday Night Football, giving Chicago three additional days between games.
4. Seattle's backfield could get reinforcements:
Zach Charbonnet is expected to practice fully as he works toward his season debut, while Jadarian Price is also nearing a return. Neither should be assumed available yet, but both are worth monitoring throughout the week.
5. Primetime prowess: Both teams have had success in island games. The Bears are 7-1 against the spread in primetime under second-year head coach Ben Johnson. Meanwhile, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has won eight straight primetime games for Seattle and Minnesota by an average of 11.8 points per game.
Seahawks vs Bears odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Seahawks -4.5
- Moneyline: Seahawks -218; Bears +180
- Total: 47.5
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Seahawks vs Bears USA TODAY expert picks
Adam Kaufman: Seahawks 24, Bears 23
The Seahawks just held Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to three points. That gets your attention. So does losing left tackle Charles Cross before facing a Bears pass rush expecting Montez Sweat back from suspension. Chicago also has extra rest after beating New England last Thursday, giving Caleb Williams more time to prepare for a demanding matchup. The Bears have more weaponry than the Chiefs, including the league's best rushing offense. The visitors will put up a fight and keep this close. But the Seahawks have a dominant defense that translates at home better than anywhere else. A costly Williams turnover will define the night.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Seahawks 24, Bears 17
Mike Macdonald put on a primetime defensive clinic against the Chiefs last week, but Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson figure to pose plenty more problems for Seattle. The outcome of the game might hinge on the other side of the ball, where Sam Darnold and the Seahawks are hoping to avoid the backbreaking mistakes that could give Chicago life. With Seattle getting the pieces in place to firm up its run game, the defending champs might have the edge.
Nicholas Brinkerhoff: Bears 31, Seahawks 24
Ben Johnson's team has the look (and feel) of a Super Bowl contender. Caleb Williams is playing out of his mind, making throws that aren't even possible in a video game. The same can't be said for Sam Darnold, who has been riding the struggle bus this season. Seattle's defense can shut down even the best offenses, but this Johnson-coached unit is a different beast. In a key contest for the NFC playoff picture, the Bears claw their way to a victory in Seattle.
Where to watch Bears at Seahawks
- Matchup: Seahawks vs. Bears
- Date: Nov. 2
- Time: 8:15 p.m.
- Venue: Lumen Field
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- TV: ESPN
Bears at Seahawks updated injury report
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bears at Seahawks: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 8 game
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