Game day on a Friday is a bit different. But it’s a huge battle between two 8-3 teams with a lot to prove.
The Philadelphia Eagles, as Super Bowl defending champs, are trying to prove they can put it all
together offensively and defensively to make a run for a second-straight title.
They’ve been held up offensively by a run game that hasn’t worked like it did in 2024 and a passing game that just can’t seem to get going at all.
The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, can’t shake the knock that they haven’t beaten any good teams. And their margin of victory over these bad teams has been incredibly tight.
And while their offense is working, they haven’t been dominant, at least enough to shut down the Caleb Williams naysayers. And their defense has struggled, but has also been missing significant pieces all season.
It’s sure to be a tough game for the Bears, but if they can keep it close, anything can happen. That’s the beauty of the NFL.
Here’s what our crew thinks will unlock a Bears victory.
Sam: The Eagles might be the most inconsistent 8-win reigning Super Bowl Champ ever? The Bears’ defense needs all hands on deck to avoid Saquon and the Eagles’ receivers from going off. Philly’s offense has struggled more often than not, but remains dangerous. The OL has to hold up against Vic Fangio’s disguises and Caleb has to protect the ball and take what’s there.
Josh: Caleb needs to cut down on the unforced errors and the offense needs to take the easy yards. On defense, Dennis Allen needs to keep working his miracles. If the Bears can just make Hurts play outside himself, fault lines will appear.
Gary: It’s a tall task for our pass rush, but not letting Jalen Hurts have an easy time behind center is a major key. He generally makes good decisions with the ball but at a very slow rate, if we can force him off his spot or force him to speed up his internal clock, the Eagles become a very one-dimensional team. It’s been a “it takes a village” mentality all year, and this week won’t be any different. We will need some contributors who’s numbers haven’t been called a lot to step up, especially on the defensive side.
Jack R Salo: For the Bears on offense, this is a game they have to control the time of possession. The Eagles have won that battle in 6 of their 8 wins, and lost it in 2 of their 3 losses. They’ll have some long drives of double-digit plays, so make sure you do too. Then, on defense, force incompletions. Not everything needs to be an interception. If the Eagles can inch their way to 3rd/4th and 1, they’re going to convert, so don’t let them get to that point.
What do you think it’s going to take for Chicago to get the win? Can they pull off the upset?
