The Seattle Seahawks are set to face off against the Chicago Bears in what promises to be an intriguing Thursday night matchup. As we edge closer to game time, fans and bettors alike are buzzing with anticipation. This game, scheduled for 8:15 pm ET on December 26, 2024, will take place at the NRG Stadium in Chicago, IL, and will be available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines are already making waves. According to DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM, the Seahawks are favored with a point spread of -3.5, while the Bears are at +3.5. The over/under for this clash stands at 43.5 points. Are these odds reflective of the teams’ current form and season performance? Let’s delve deeper.
Season Record
The Seattle Seahawks come into this game with an 8-7 record, placing them 2nd in the NFC West. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are struggling with a 4-11 record, languishing at the bottom of the NFC North. The contrast in their standings is stark, but can the Bears pull off an upset?
Recent Form
Both teams are coming off losses. The Seahawks narrowly lost to the Minnesota Vikings 27-24, while the Bears were defeated by the Detroit Lions 34-17. These results have set the stage for a high-stakes encounter, especially for the Seahawks, who are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Seattle Seahawks vs Chicago Bears Preview and Analysis
The Seahawks are on the road with a 3-6 home record and a stronger 5-1 away record. Quarterback Geno Smith has been a standout, completing 31 of 43 passes for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns in their last outing. Meanwhile, the Bears, led by Caleb Williams, have been struggling, particularly with a 0-7 road record. Williams threw for 334 yards and 2 touchdowns in their recent game, but the team is yet to find its footing this season.
Seahawks vs Bears Prediction
The Seahawks are favored to win, and for good reason. With a solid 8-7 record, they are still in contention for the NFC West title. The Bears, on the other hand, have been on a downward spiral with nine consecutive losses. They have little left to play for, whereas the Seahawks have everything on the line. Expect Seattle to cover the spread and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Seahawks 27, Bears 13. Don’t miss out on our expert picks and daily NFL predictions for more insights.
NFL Betting Trends
The Seahawks have been impressive against the spread (ATS), especially in road games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points. They are 9-5 ATS in such scenarios and 7-3 ATS after two or more consecutive losses. Conversely, the Bears have struggled as underdogs, with a 14-22 ATS record. They are also 3-7 ATS following a loss by 14 or more points.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a crucial role in this matchup. The Seahawks have several players listed, including J. Hankins (DT), G. Smith (QB), and N. Fant (TE), among others. The Bears are also dealing with injuries to key players like M. Lewis (TE) and D. Taylor (DL). These absences could impact the dynamics of the game significantly.
Notable Quotes
Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seahawks, reflected on their recent loss: “The reason that their record is what it is and what their record is in one score games is because they’re a good football team. We hung right in there. We had an opportunity to win the game, and we didn’t.” Meanwhile, Bears QB Caleb Williams emphasized the need for better execution: “I think we fight. I think we’ve got to have better execution.”
Starting Lineups
For the Seahawks, key offensive players include WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, and QB Geno Smith. The Bears will rely on WR DJ Moore, WR Keenan Allen, and QB Caleb Williams to make an impact.
Statistical Leaders
Seattle’s Geno Smith leads in passing yards with 3,937, while Kenneth Walker III has rushed for 573 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is their top receiver with 1,089 yards. For Chicago, Caleb Williams has thrown for 3,271 yards, D’Andre Swift has rushed for 841 yards, and DJ Moore has 826 receiving yards.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Seahawks, while the Bears look to salvage some pride. Will Seattle’s playoff aspirations remain intact, or can Chicago play the spoiler? Only time will tell.
