It was an unusually strange week in football. There were plenty of notable performances and results, but the odd moments stood out: one team won without completing a pass, while another lost two quarterbacks across just four drives. The question now is whether the Bears and Seahawks will add to the chaos tonight or deliver a more conventional, entertaining game.
The Chicago Bears have been one of the more compelling teams this season. They’re 5-2, with a 2-1 record on the road, and quarterback Caleb Williams is back in the lineup, giving the offense more of its usual spark. Still, this could be their toughest test so far. Seattle has one of the league’s strongest defenses, and Chicago may have trouble finding its rhythm. Williams will likely need to make plays both with his arm and his legs.
It’s fair to wonder how strong the Bears really are. Their wins have come against the Panthers, Eagles, Jets, Falcons and Patriots, while they’ve lost to the Vikings and Packers. Carolina could make a playoff push, and New England has a reasonable shot too, but the Vikings, Packers and Patriots are the only teams on Chicago’s schedule so far with better-than-even postseason chances. The Bears have also traded for defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. That move could help, though it remains to be seen how much of a difference it makes.
The Seahawks are the defending champions, but their season has been uneven. They’re 4-3 and have had some impressive moments, yet they’ve also lost to the Commanders, 49ers and Broncos. Two of those teams look well positioned to reach the playoffs. Seattle’s wins have come against the Chargers, Patriots, Cardinals and, last week, the Chiefs.
Pinpointing what’s holding Seattle back isn’t easy. The defense is excellent, the schedule is manageable, and the offense ranks 12th in the league in yards per game. Sam Darnold has been inconsistent, though, and the running game hasn’t done much to steady things. The Seahawks average 113.7 rushing yards per game, around the middle of the pack. Darnold has thrown eight touchdowns, but also eight interceptions. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been outstanding; without him, it’s hard to know how much the passing game would have going for it.
I’m leaning toward the game staying under 46.5 points. Chicago has a capable offense, but I’m not sure it will be as productive against Seattle’s defense, especially with the home crowd behind the Seahawks. The Bears’ defense isn’t dominant, but its bend-don’t-break approach could suit this matchup. Seattle has also struggled to turn drives into touchdowns lately.
Smith-Njigba could have a strong night against Chicago’s secondary, but a lot depends on whether Seattle’s offensive line can give Darnold time and whether he makes good decisions. I’ll take the under 46.5, and I’m also leaning toward Seattle to cover.
