The Chicago Bears face their biggest challenge yet when they take on the Seattle Seahawks on Monday. Seattle has one of the best defenses in the NFL and just made a new addition to their offensive line with guard Quenton Nelson.
Still, the Bears have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball to come away from this game with a win. Quarterback Caleb Williams gives Chicago a chance to win every week and he has plenty of weapons to throw to between wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III as well as running back D’Andre Swift.
With a week and a half to prepare for this game, here are three reasons for optimism as the Bears play their second straight primetime game.
Sam Darnold
After having a really good campaign for the Seattle Seahawks in 2025 and getting
them to the Super Bowl, Darnold has regressed this season. He already has eight interceptions this year, including at least one pick in each of the last five games. Darnold also only has four touchdown passes in the past four games. His last game with at least 300 passing yards was in Week 3’s loss to the Washington Commanders. Chicago’s defense should be able to exploit Darnold’s performance this season and get at least an interception or two, especially with Jeffery Simmons now on the defensive line.
Jeffery Simmons
There is a lot of momentum that comes with a blockbuster trade like the one the Bears completed for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons is a future Hall-of-Famer who is coming off his best season in 2025 with 11 sacks, 21 quarterback hits and a safety. In addition, he has already faced Seattle’s new center, Quenton Nelson, and had two sacks in that game. He also opens up Chicago’s other defenders, including Montez Sweat and Grady Jarrett. Chicago’s defense should find success in this game.
Bears' success in prime time
When the Bears take on the Seahawks on Monday, it will be Chicago’s third primetime game of the season and their second Monday Night Football game. Chicago is undefeated in primetime this season after their 27-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles with Case Keenum at quarterback on Monday Night Football in Week 3. They also defeated the New England Patriots in Week 7 on Thursday Night Football. The Bears seem to be at their best when the lights are the brightest and there is no doubt that will be the case once again against Seattle.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as the Bears face the Seahawks in Week 8
