The Bears enter week 17 with a 4-11 record following a loss to the Detroit Lions. This week, they take on the 8-7 Seattle Seahawks. Here are my three bold predictions for this matchup.
Through 15 games, Caleb Williams has accumulated 442 rushing yards but hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown yet. He did have one touchdown nullified by a penalty. This week, I predict he’ll finally score his first rushing TD in the red zone. Williams has been phenomenal in the red zone (particularly with his arm) during his rookie season:
Red zone stats: 217 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 97.0 passer rating.
While he’s likely to add a couple more passing touchdowns, I believe he’ll also break through with his legs against Seattle’s tough defense, which ranks 12th in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage.
Caleb Williams in the red zone this season:
217 yards
13 TD
0 INT
97.0 passer ratingpic.twitter.com/Umg9vicoog— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 24, 2024
The Bears’ offensive line has shown slight improvement in protecting Caleb Williams recently, but it’s still far from ideal. Despite potential setbacks from injuries to Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones, I predict the Bears will give up two sacks or fewer this week. Williams has been getting the ball out quickly, and the line has made substantial progress.
Last week, the Bears opted not to attempt a 55-yard field goal, leading to loud boos from fans. Interim head coach Thomas Brown defended the decision in his post game presser. Santos is known for his accuracy but has one of the weaker legs among NFL kickers.
Bears need a kicker with a stronger leg. https://t.co/YMuU4Ok3lp
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 22, 2024
This week, I predict the Bears will give Santos the chance to prove himself from 55+ yards, and he’ll deliver. Despite his reliability on shorter kicks, the Bears face a critical offseason decision about their kicking game, as the league increasingly demands kickers with consistent range from 60+ yards.
Seahawks 27 Bears 24
