On December 26, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks are set to take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. This game is super important for the Seahawks as they try to stay in the playoff race. Meanwhile, the Bears are looking to break a tough nine-game losing streak and end their season with a win.
Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
The Seahawks are coming into this game after a rough defeat against the Minnesota Vikings. Even though quarterback Geno Smith had a solid outing, throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns, the team struggled on third downs, managing to convert just 2 out of 10 tries.
The Seahawks have proven they can handle the pressure on the road, with a strong away record of 5-1 this season. To grab a win against a Bears team that’s been having a tough time, they’ll need to keep executing well and avoid making mistakes.
Chicago Bears (4-11)
The Bears are really struggling right now, sitting at 4-11 after a tough loss to the Detroit Lions. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown some great moments, but he’s been dealing with a weak offensive line and inconsistent help from his receivers. In their most recent game, the Bears gave up 475 total yards while only racking up 382 yards on offense.
Key Player Matchups
Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith (QB): Smith’s skills in reading defenses and linking up with his receivers is going to be key in this game. Plus, he’s getting better on his feet as he bounces back from that knee injury he had earlier this season.
D.K. Metcalf (WR): Metcalf’s size and speed can really take advantage of the Bears’ secondary, which has had a tough time this season. His ability to get open and making big plays will be crucial for Seattle to succeed.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams (QB): Williams, being a newcomer, really has to focus on running the game smoothly and cutting down on mistakes. How he grows will be key for Chicago’s success down the line and could give him some solid experience for next season.
Jonathan Owens (S): Owens leads the Bears’ defense and will have to rise to the occasion against Seattle’s strong passing game. His knack for reading plays and making tackles will be crucial in keeping those big plays in check.
Betting Odds
The Seahawks are a four-point favorite in this game, showing how crucial a win is for their playoff hopes. The over/under is at 43.5 points, suggesting that people are expecting a decent amount of scoring based on how both teams have been playing lately.
Tactical Analysis
Seahawks Offense vs. Bears Defense
Seattle’s offense really shines with its passing game, thanks to Geno Smith’s skills in spreading the ball around to different receivers. The Seahawks should take advantage of any coverage mismatches they find against Chicago’s secondary, especially by going after D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on those deep routes.
The Bears need to put pressure on Smith while staying disciplined in their coverage to avoid giving up big plays. If they can throw off Seattle’s rhythm right from the start, it might just turn the tide in their favor.
Bears Offense vs. Seahawks Defense
For Chicago, getting a solid ground game going is super important to take some of the heat off Caleb Williams. If they can use running back Roschon Johnson well, it’ll create more chances for play-action plays further down the field.
Seattle’s defense needs to stay sharp against the run and the pass, taking advantage of any slip-ups from Williams as he goes through his rookie year.
The Seahawks are heading into a crucial game against the Bears, and they really need to make the most of their offensive skills while taking advantage of Chicago’s defensive flaws. The Bears will be looking to ruin Seattle’s plans in front of their fans, but they’ve got some tough hurdles to overcome with how they’ve been playing lately.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Seattle Seahawks: 24, Chicago Bears: 19
This forecast highlights Seattle’s strong offense going up against a Bears defense that’s having a tough time, but it also recognizes that Chicago could still find ways to score with their running game and the growth of their rookie quarterback when faced with challenges.