It's been more than two months since the Chicago Bears last won a football game and, unless the Green Bay Packers decide to rest their starters in the season finale next week, this is likely their last chance at a win this year. The Bears are hosting the Seattle Seahawks, a team still fighting for a playoff spot, on Thursday Night Football, in their final home game of the 2024 season.
Can the Bears finally end their nine-game losing streak? It may take a minor Christmas miracle, but there is a path to victory if they hit these important keys.
1. Get after Geno Smith.
Two weeks ago, Seattle quarterback Geno Smith had to leave early with an injury. He played last week but was clearly affected by the pain in his knee and will likely still be hurting, especially on a short week.
Smith isn't a very mobile quarterback even at full health, so he'll be especially slow now. Chicago's defense needs to take advantage of this and get pressure on Smith early and often. Make him uncomfortable early, force him to throw the ball away, and their offense will be out of rhythm all night.
2. Play fast on offense.
With Braxton Jones on season-ending IR and Teven Jenkins likely to miss this one, pass protection is going to be a major concern. At this point in Chicago's season, all that matters is getting to the end without any more major injuries, and especially not to quarterback Caleb Williams.
Interim head coach Thomas Brown needs to recognize the state of his offensive line and plan accordingly. The gameplan for this one should revolve on a heavy dose of run plays and quick developing passing plays. Williams also needs to be prepared to scramble earlier than he'd usually prefer or throw the ball away.
3. Score first and take the ball away.
Chicago has scored first in just one-game all season and, until last week, had gone three straight games without any points at all in the first half.
That has to change on Thursday. The Bears need a fast start, and that means scoring on their opening drive and responding on defense with an immediate takeaway. If Chicago is to win this one, they're going to have to build themselves a comfortable cushion in the early going.
Final Prediction: Bears win 24-21
Maybe it's the Christmas spirit all around, but something's got me feeling hopeful for this one. I'm going against my usual practice of picking against Chicago during a losing streak and I'm calling for a gritty win on a cold Thursday night. In a tied game with less than a minute remaining, Caleb Williams will drive down the field, set up a Cairo Santos field goal, and the Bears will walk away with a win. Merry Christmas, Bears fans!