Bears vs Bengals Recap
The Chicago Bears left Cincinnati with a 47–42 victory on Sunday, a result that felt less like a victory and more like an emotional gauntlet, given the dizzying swings of momentum in the final two minutes. While Caleb Williams delivered a historic performance that showcased his growing command of the NFL stage, glaring issues on special teams and defense nearly erased the offense’s brilliant performance. For a team with playoff aspirations, these problems cannot be ignored.
Caleb Williams was the story of the game—and arguably the story of the season so far. The franchise quarterback completed 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, added 53 rushing yards, and even caught two passes for 22 yards, including a two-yard touchdown reception on a trick play. That stat line is unprecedented: Williams became the first quarterback in NFL history to record at least 275 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and 20 receiving yards in a single game.
Chicago’s special teams unit was a liability from the opening whistle. The Bengals returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, setting an ominous tone. Later, a 47-yard field goal attempt by Cairo Santos was blocked, erasing a chance to extend the lead before halftime. The most damaging miscue came late in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati successfully recovered an onside kick, a play that led to a go-ahead touchdown and nearly flipped the outcome.
The Bears’ defense allowed 577 total yards and 35 points to a Bengals team led by 40-year-old Joe Flacco. Flacco threw for 470 yards and four touchdowns, averaging ten yards per attempt while facing minimal pressure—Chicago recorded just one sack. Cincinnati converted five of ten third downs (50%) and produced four touchdown drives of 55 yards or more. Over the last 3 contests, the Bears have allowed an average of 28.7 points per game.
The Bears improved to 5–3, but the victory underscored a troubling reality: this team cannot sustain success if special teams and defensive play remain at their current level. The offense is ascending, and Williams looks every bit the generational talent Chicago hoped for (needs to average 231.5 pass yards a game to notch 4,000 on the season) . But until the Bears address their defensive breakdowns/ injuries and special teams failures, they will remain a team capable of thrilling wins—and devastating losses, which we cannot have this Sunday against the New York Giants.
Trade Deadline
The Chicago Bears made a calculated move at the 2025 NFL trade deadline by acquiring defensive end Joe Tryon‑Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, while receiving a 2026 seventh-round pick in return. This low-cost trade was aimed at bolstering the pass rush after season-ending injuries to Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner left the defensive front thin.
Tryon‑Shoyinka, a former first-round pick in 2021 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 15 career sacks and a decent pass-rush grade this season, brings experience and depth without sacrificing significant draft capital. While the Bears explored bigger names like Jermaine Johnson II, they ultimately opted for a value-driven approach that strengthens the roster without compromising future flexibility, the New York Jets wanted a 2nd round pick in return.
Bears Vs. Giants Preview
Clash of Momentum vs. Make‑or‑Break Road Test
Chicago enters this game riding high — 5–3 with five wins in their last six, including a 47–42 thriller over Cincinnati, where they racked up 482 total yards and converted 8-of-15 third downs. This season, Caleb Williams has thrown for 1,916 yards, 12 passing touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, with a QBR of 55.2, placing him 19th in the NFL.
The Giants, in contrast, limp into Soldier Field at 2–7, losers of three straight, and their road woes are glaring: 0–5 away from home, outscored 158–109, and averaging 21.8 points per game on the road. Chicago’s defense has allowed 6.4 yards per play this season (31st), while New York’s offense ranks 22nd in yards per play (5.1). This certainly presents the Giants with an opportunity to find another go-to target for Jaxson Dart.
For the Bears, this feels like the linchpin of their season — keep momentum before the NFC North gauntlet. For the Giants, it’s a stern test of grit and resilience under Brian Daboll’s watch, with his job surely in question, starting the last 3 seasons 2-7.
Young QB Evolution: Williams vs. Dart
This is the duel to tune into. Williams, Chicago’s former No. 1 overall pick, is emerging into the dual-threat star Bears fans hoped he would be when they drafted him — as seen in his monster stat line vs. the Bengals (280 pass, 53 rush, a 114.8 passer rating, first TD catch). Caleb is currently averaging 239.5 yards a game on the season and has a TD-to-INT ratio of 2:1 over the last month.
Across the field, New York’s rookie Jaxson Dart has been impressive. Through six starts, he’s amassed 1,175 passing yards, with 10 passing TDs, 3 interceptions, and 5 rushing touchdowns. He ranks 16th in QBR (60.8) and leads rookie QBs with a 62.3% completion rate, 6.7 yards per attempt, and 5 rushing TDs — a remarkable dual-threat display. Not to mention an Ole Miss legend.
Expect a showcase of developing stars playing to grow in real time—with Williams showcasing pro-level explosiveness and Dart cementing his place as a dynamic rookie signal-caller.
Defensive Identities: Takeaways vs. Turnovers
Turnovers and takeaways are going to define this matchup. The Bears lead the NFL with a +13 turnover differential, sparking 19 takeaways (13 INTs) and forcing three-plus turnovers five times this season. The Giants are on the other side — just six defensive takeaways all season, while committing nine turnovers, including five in one disaster against New Orleans.
Chicago’s opportunistic secondary, anchored by Kevin Byard III (four INTs and 42 tackles in eight games), Jaquan Brisker (one INT and 24 tackles in seven games), is poised to tilt field position sharply if New York’s protection falters.
Expect the turnover battle to be a decisive element in this Sunday showdown. Turnovers could swing this battle sharply toward Chicago’s favor.
Top 3 Matchups
Bears O‑Line vs. Giant DT Dexter Lawrence
Chicago’s dominant running game, 200.3 yds/game in their last 3 games (1st), and 144.4 yds/game for the year (2nd), depends on sealing lanes up front. Enter Dexter Lawrence, the mountain man in the middle who has 21 total tackles, one INT, and half a sack. If he can disrupt the run and collapse pockets, Big Blue will try to stifle Chicago’s ground momentum and force Williams into obvious passing downs.
But the Bears have a new spark: Kyle Monangai exploded last week with 176 rushing yards on 26 carries, showing he can be the workhorse when needed. His ability to hit cutback lanes and break tackles adds another layer of pressure on Lawrence and the Giants’ front seven.
Additionally, we would be remiss if we did not mention the fact that the Bears’ offensive line was ferocious last Sunday. Up the middle, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Thuney have been playing really well and creating gaps on quick pulls, key double-team blocks, and chip blocks. getting to the next level, allowing Monangai to explode. The best block of the day comes from Theo Benedet, though, as he manhandled Geno Stone.
The Bears vs. Themselves: Penalty Discipline
I know I mentioned this last week in the week 9 preview, but it still holds true, no pun intended. Forget the opponent for a second — Chicago’s biggest enemy might be Chicago. The Bears are averaging 72 penalty yards per game, with drive-killers like false starts and holding calls piling up. Against a Giants team desperate for any edge, gifting free yards could flip momentum fast. Cleaning up the mental mistakes is non-negotiable if Chicago wants to keep its playoff trajectory intact.
Giants’ Offensive Void: Who Answers the Call?
Injuries have decimated the Giants’ offense, silencing two of their most explosive playmakers. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo is out for the season after suffering a gruesome ankle injury in Week 8, and star wide receiver Malik Nabers is also lost for the year following a torn ACL in Week 4. For an updated list on the Giants injury report, click here.
With both their dynamic threats on the field sidelined, Jaxson Dart is left searching for a spark. The door is wide open for a backup receiver to step into a WR1 role or for the backfield to rediscover a run game identity. Without a dependable playmaker to lean on, the Giants risk being swallowed by a hungry Bears defense that thrives on chaos and turnovers.
Prediction: Bears 31 – Giants 21
Chicago continues its surge with a statement win at Soldier Field, fueled by Caleb Williams’ arm and Kyle Monangai’s power on the ground. The Bears jump out early and maintain control, mixing explosive passing plays with a bruising run game.
Projected Stat Lines:
- Caleb Williams (QB, CHI): 26/38, 312 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT; 32 rushing yards
- Kyle Monangai (RB, CHI): 108 rushing yards, 1 TD on 20 carries
- DJ Moore (WR, CHI): 8 receptions, 102 yards, 1 TD
- Colston Loveland (TE, CHI): 6 receptions, 64 yards
For the Giants, Jaxson Dart flashes potential but faces relentless pressure:
- Jaxson Dart (QB, NYG): 22/34, 238 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT; 21 rushing yards
- Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, NYG): 7 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD
- Giants RB Committee: 72 rushing yards combined
Key Factors:
- Bears dominate third downs and time of possession.
- Williams connects on two deep shots to DJ Moore and keeps drives alive with his legs.
- Chicago’s defense forces two turnovers, including a late pick to seal the game.
If this game unfolds as predicted, Chicago will cement itself as a legitimate NFC playoff contender. A 31–21 victory powered by Caleb Williams’ 300-yard, three-touchdown performance would showcase the Bears’ offensive versatility and Monangai’s ability to control the ground game.
DJ Moore’s big day would reaffirm his role as one of Williams’ go-to weapons, while the defense forcing two turnovers would highlight their opportunistic identity. At 6–3, Chicago would not only keep pace in the NFC North but also see its playoff odds surge toward the 40–45% range, setting up a critical stretch.
For the Giants, flashes from Jaxson Dart and Wan’Dale Robinson won’t be enough to overcome road struggles and a lack of defensive takeaways—leaving Big Blue searching for answers as the season slips away.
