Recent Form
The Bears’ four-game winning streak was snapped in Week 8 as they fell 30–16 at Baltimore. They began the game with dominance — a 6–0 first quarter — but drifted into inconsistency, surrendering momentum in the second and third. An interception by Caleb Williams in the fourth turned the tide in Baltimore’s favor. (chicagobears.com) Chicago now sits at 4–3. Offensively, they’ve shown sparks from running back D’Andre Swift, who’s scored in four straight games, and receiver Rome Odunze, who posted his fourth 100-yard outing this season. But penalties, poor red zone execution, and turnovers continue to drag them down. Defensively, they’ve held teams in check between jumps, but lapses under pressure — especially from the secondary and in alignment before snaps — have allowed opponents to capitalize in squeezing moments. (chicagobears.com)
Injuries
Offense: - D’Andre Swift – RB – Questionable (groin) - Rome Odunze – WR – Questionable (heel) - D.J. Moore – WR – Questionable (hip/groin) - Luther Burden III – WR – OUT (concussion) - Cole Kmet – TE – Questionable (back) Defense: - Dominique Robinson – DL – OUT (ankle)
Coaching & Scheme
Under head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Chicago has deployed a balanced offense blending inside-zone run schemes with quick passes to mitigate pass protection issues. Johnson has emphasized tempo and multiple formations, using Swift as a threat between the tackles and receivers like Odunze and Moore in intermediate-crossing patterns and deep verticals. Defensively, Chicago runs a base 4–3 with nickel sub-packages, leaning on Montez Sweat and the defensive line to generate pressure without blitz-heavy schemes. The secondary features mixed cover-2 and single-high zones; when opponent play-action forces linebackers into coverage, mismatches tend to emerge. Penalties and disciplinary lapses have forced adjustments mid-game, often hurting timely third-down stops and special teams field position.
Matchup Analysis
If Swift can play, Chicago’s offense has a real opportunity to control the line of scrimmage and keep Cincinnati’s offense off the field — the ground game could be a pressure-release valve. With Chase and Higgins posing vertical threats, the Bears' corners will be tested in press coverage. Limited depth at WR — Burden is out, Moore and Odunze questionable — could force heavier usage of tight ends and secondary targets, which the Bengals secondary must address. Chicago’s pass rush will likely try to isolate matchups with Sweat and generate edge pressure; Bengals’ interior weaknesses might be exploited on third down. Chicago’s discipline issues — penalties, turnovers, snap-count mishaps — could unravel promising drives, especially in tight red zone windows. With Flacco’s questionable status, the Bengals offense may be less explosive; Chicago will need to avoid big explosive plays while finding early advantages in turnover differential and third-down stop success.
Team Summary
The Bears are a team on the rise, full of talent in their skill positions and bolstered when their offense stays clean. Their success thus far has hinged on ground control, serviceable QB play from Williams, and limiting mistakes. Their identity is disciplined physicality — but their discipline has been inconsistent. For this matchup, Chicago needs to establish early momentum, protect the QB, and force Cincinnati into uncomfortable pickup situations. Their front four must produce without a blitz-heavy approach to avoid giving up big plays over the top. If their WR corps is limited, they’ll need to lean on passing tight ends and utilize quick shots to offset their vulnerabilities. Win conditions for the Bears include winning the turnover battle, avoiding red zone failures, and controlling time of possession.
Key Takeaway
Chicago has enough firepower and momentum to be favored here — if their offensive injuries don’t cripple their ability to sustain drives. The Bears should be trusted at –2.5, especially given Cincinnati’s defensive lapses. ---