The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to bounce back against a Chicago Bears team still looking for a true signature victory in a tantalizing NFC matchup.
Preview for Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) will aim to get back to winning ways on Black Friday when they host the NFC’s surprise package, the Chicago Bears (8-3) at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philadelphia gave up a 21-point lead last week as the Eagles were stunned by their NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in a 24-21 loss, a defeat that knocked the defending Super Bowl champions out of first place in the NFC.
The Eagles might be happier with the shorter turnaround time in this match as they look to get the bad taste out of their mouths, and will be expected to return to normal service despite the Bears’ good season.
Six of the Bears’ eight wins under first-year head coach Ben Johnson have come by one score, and last Sunday’s 31-28 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) is the only one against a team that currently has a winning record.
The game against the Eagles marks the start of a challenge for the Bears over the final six weeks of the season.
All but one of their games during this span are against teams that currently have a winning record. In addition to the Eagles, the Bears face the Green Bay Packers (7-3-1), the San Francisco 49ers (8-4) and the Detroit Lions (7-4) twice.
A key matchup for the Bears, as the goal to start this streak off on the right foot, will be between their head coach and offensive play-caller Ben Johnson and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who once again has Philadelphia’s defense performing at an extremely high level after his arrival last year played a key role in Nick Sirianni’s men claiming Super Bowl glory.
Johnson was extremely complimentary of veteran coordinator Fangio during his press conference on Wednesday.
“He’s like the Godfather in a lot of ways. He’s kind of taken over the league in terms of this project. It’s carried over to a number of teams,” Johnson said.
“You see all of his disciples running him now. We’ve already faced one in New Orleans this year, I know Carolina. It’s everywhere. The Rams run him to some extent. He’s influenced the game significantly.
“They want to limit explosives. I think that when we have the horses in front [on the defensive line] as he does it where they can shut down the run game while still playing two, I think it’s a powerful combination.
“He does a phenomenal job with that. I’ve never worked with Vic, but I obviously have a lot of respect from afar. Only people who have worked with him speak so highly of the way he organizes a game and he’s usually a step ahead of the opposing playmaker.
“It’s going to be a challenge here just to make sure we try to keep it as unbalanced as possible. It really starts from the beginning. It’s a really good front seven and we have to take it to them there and play on their side of the line of scrimmage.”
The Bears could make a change at the line of scrimmage, with Johnson noncommittal on whether left tackle Theo Benedet would reprise his role there after second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo impressed in his absence against Pittsburgh.
Johnson got a marked upgrade over 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams after a rocky first year with the Bears.
And Fangio expressed admiration for the work former Lions offensive coordinator Johnson did in that regard.
“They [the Bears] do a great job organizing the game, mixing it up, marrying their running game and their passing game,” Fangio said. “They’re highly ranked in a lot of areas, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. They have some really good players, and he’s a great plan and a great player.
“Ben does a good job of mixing things up. They package things well. They play in multiple personnel groups and they’re a little bit under center, probably more than most teams in this league. Kudos to him and his staff for bringing in this young quarterback, who I don’t think ever played under center in college.
“He does a great job, and they overcame all the pitfalls, and now they have a quarterback who runs their offense the way they want.”
The challenge for the Eagles will be stopping the Bears from executing while making their own offense fire during what has been an inconsistent year for Jalen Hurts and Co.
If the Eagles fail to do so, then many more questions will be asked about their validity as contenders for a repeat championship.
Prediction for Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles
Few of the Bears’ wins this season have been convincing, and none have come against teams of the quality of the Eagles, who will bounce back with confidence.
Prediction: Chicago Bears 17 – 34 Philadelphia Eagles
How to watch the Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles
The Chicago Bears-Philadelphia Eagles game kicks off Friday at 3 p.m. ET.
It will stream on Prime Video and the game will also be available on Fox in Chicago and Philadelphia.
The game can be streamed via NFL+.
Best betting offers for Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles
What to do if you have a gambling problem
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and would like help, call or visit the Problem Gambling Council:
- Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org
- CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV or WY – Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- AZ – Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP
- AI – Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
- KS, NV – Call 1-800-522-4700
- KY – Call 1-800 PLAYER, 18+
- MI – Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help
- MA – Call 1-800-327-5050
- NC – Call – 1-800-662-4357
- NY – Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it is important to recognize this when using online gambling sites.
While we review different gambling sites, you should check the local laws in your area before playing online. Additionally, all gaming sites and guides are rated 21+ only.
The following free resources on gaming addiction may be helpful:
21+ Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
