Bears Vs Steelers preview
Bears Survive Flores’ Blitz Storm, Edge Vikings 19-17 in Minneapolis
If you were looking for a statement divisional win from the Chicago Bears, Sunday delivered it in full drama. Down 17-16 with 50 ticks left, Devin Duvernay’s electric 56-yard kickoff return flipped the script, setting up Cairo Santos for a walk-off 48-yard field goal. Bears win, 19-17. NFC North lead secured. But the real story? Caleb Williams versus Brian Flores in a chess match of pressure and poise.
Flores didn’t just bring heat—he brought the whole kitchen sink. Minnesota blitzed Williams on 78% of his dropbacks, an absurd number even by Flores’ well documented aggressive standards. And yet, Williams didn’t blink. His stat line—16-of-32 for 193 yards, no touchdowns—won’t light up fantasy boards, but it screams one word: growth.
Zero turnovers. Two sacks avoided with Houdini-like escapes. A spin move away from a blitzing safety Jay Ward was critical for Chicago’s first scoring drive. That’s how you beat a Flores defense: survive the storm, protect the football, and make the handful of plays that matter.
Ben Johnson’s offense leaned on the run game (D’Andre Swift: 21 carries, 90 yards) and Cairo Santos’ steady leg (four field goals, including the game-winner) to complement Williams’ composure. The Bears built a 16-3 cushion through three quarters, only to watch J.J. McCarthy rally the Vikings late with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. But when the moment came, Williams orchestrated his fifth game-winning drive of the season—a new franchise record. A nice little payback from week 1.
This wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t clean. But it was gutsy. Williams showed why Chicago drafted him nine picks ahead of McCarthy: not for highlight throws, but for resilience when the blitz is coming from every angle. Flores threw everything at him, and Williams answered with calm, quick processing, and just enough improvisation to keep the Bears alive.
Bottom line: The Bears are 7-3, winners of seven of their last eight, and sitting atop the NFC North for the first time since 2018. I’m not saying were destined for the Superbowl, but rather it’s nice to look forward to Sundays again. And if you’re still wondering whether Caleb Williams can handle the league’s most aggressive defensive coordinator? Sunday gave you the answer.
Top 3 Storylines vs The Steelers
Rodgers or Rudolph? Pittsburgh’s QB Soap Opera & the Return of the Boogeyman
The biggest question heading into Sunday: Will Aaron Rodgers stroll into Soldier Field like he owns the place (25-5 against the Bears all time) or will Mason Rudolph be the guy under center? Rodgers got a hairline fracture on his left wrist in Week 11—no surgery, and it’s not his throwing hand, but let’s be honest, any injury to a future Hall of Famer changes the calculus.
If Rodgers can’t go, Pittsburgh’s offense goes from Tesla to tricycle real quick. Rudolph starting means Tomlin’s crew will play it safe, lean on Jaylen Warren potentially and Kenneth Gainwell, and pray their defense doesn’t fold like a cheap lawn chair. Currently the Steelers sit at 28th in total defensive yards allowed per game (368.1). Meanwhile, the Bears lead the league in takeaways (+16 turnover differential), so if Rodgers is less than 100%, Chicago’s defense is licking its chops. Advantage: Monsters of the Midway.
Caleb Williams’ Building Blocks Tour
Caleb Williams had a boring, yet safe one in Minnesota—50% completions, 193 yards, zero touchdowns. That’s not the Caleb we’ve come to know, nor the one we want to see more of, shooting for that 70% completion percentage is still our goal. But here’s the good news: Pittsburgh’s secondary is a dumpster fire, ranking dead last in passing yards allowed (261.7 YPG).
If there was ever a week for Caleb to remind the league why Chicago drafted him No. 1, this is it. With the Bears’ 2nd ranked run game setting up play-action, Williams should carve up the Steelers like a Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza pie. This isn’t just a bounce-back—it’s should be a building block game. Continue to protect the ball and add in more explosive plays. And if Caleb gets hot, throwing for over 275 yards, and 3 total TD’s Chicago’s playoff push goes from “possible” to “probable.”
Division Leaders, Playoff Stakes, and Soldier Field Swagger
This isn’t just another game—it’s a heavyweight fight. Bears at 7-3, Steelers at 6-4, both sitting atop their divisions. A win here locks Chicago tighter on the NFC North crown and keeps Pittsburgh breathing in the AFC North race.
But here’s the kicker: Soldier Field has been a house of horrors for the Steelers. Chicago’s won 12 of the last 13 home meetings. Add in the fact the Bears have taken seven of their last eight and are riding a three-game heater while the Steelers have alternated wins and losses over the past five weeks. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere with both teams fighting for seeding and momentum heading into December.
Top 3 Matchups to Watch For
Bears’ Ground Game vs. Steelers’ Front Seven
Chicago’s rushing attack isn’t just good—it’s a problem. Second in the league at 146.6 yards per game, powered by D’Andre Swift slicing defenses along with Kyle Monangai. Swift’s sitting at 634 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 4.7 a pop. Pittsburgh? Middle of the pack against the run, giving up 106.4 yards per game and 4.2 per carry. If the Bears’ O-line keeps bullying like they have—only 16 sacks allowed, fifth-best in the league—this game tilts fast. Establish the run early, and Caleb Williams gets to play-action his way into Pittsburgh’s soft secondary. Analytics say Chicago owns this matchup. I say: book it.
Caleb Williams vs. Pittsburgh’s Patchwork Secondary
This one’s a mismatch on paper and a nightmare on the Chicago Park District grass. Pittsburgh ranks dead last in pass defense—32nd, giving up 261.7 yards per game and 16 passing touchdowns. Caleb’s had his ups and downs, but he’s still thrown for 2,329 yards and has Rome Odunze as his deep-threat weapon (600 yards, 6 TDs).
If CB Darius Slay isn’t 100%, and Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t show up, Odunze might need a GPS to find defenders. Expect Chicago to attack intermediate and deep zones, with Cole Kmet working linebackers like a pick-and-roll. If Caleb bumps up that 59.7% completion rate, this could turn into a Soldier Field air show.
Steelers’ Pass Rush vs. Bears’ Wall Up Front
Here’s Pittsburgh’s ace: their pass rush. Third in the league with 33 sacks, led by T.J. Watt (6.0 sacks) and Nick Herbig (6.5 sacks). They feast on third-and-long like it’s Thanksgiving dinner. But Chicago’s O-line is stout. Only 16 sacks allowed all season.
The chess match is real: if the Bears stay ahead of the chains, Watt and Herbig become spectators. If not, Caleb’s under pressure—and his passer rating drops below 70 when the heat’s on. Keep the pocket clean, and Chicago controls the tempo. Fail, and Pittsburgh’s defense gets loud. My take? Watt will get his but Bears’ big boys win this trench war.
Conclusion & Prediction
This one feels like a fork-in-the-road game for both squads. Pittsburgh’s identity hinges on Rodgers’ availability—if he’s under center, they’ve got a puncher’s chance to stretch the field and keep Chicago honest. If not, it’s Mason Rudolph and a prayer, and that’s not enough against a Bears defense that’s been feasting on mistakes like it’s Sunday brunch.
On the flip side, Caleb Williams has the perfect setup to silence critics and ignite the playoff push: a leaky secondary, a dominant run game, and home-field swagger. Soldier Field in late November? That’s Bears weather, and history says Pittsburgh hates it.
Prediction: Bears 27, Steelers 17. Caleb throws for 285 and two scores, Swift adds another on the ground, and the Monsters of the Midway force two turnovers to slam the door. Chicago walks out 8-3, and the NFC North crown starts looking less like a dream and more like destiny.
