Seahawks vs Bears, Seattle Fights for Playoff Spot in Chicago
Seahawks vs Bears Week 17 Prediction: Seattle’s Playoff Hopes on the Line in Chicago
The Seattle Seahawks (8-7) are desperate for a victory as they make their way to Chicago to face the Bears (4-11) on Thursday Night Football in a crucial Week 17 matchup. With just two games remaining in the regular season, Seattle’s playoff aspirations hang in the balance, while Chicago looks to finish a disappointing season on a high note. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. EST at Soldier Field, and both teams have a lot to play for—though for very different reasons.
Seattle Seahawks: Clinging to Playoff Hopes After Loss to Vikings
The Seahawks’ playoff hopes took a significant blow on Sunday with a 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Seattle was poised for a dramatic comeback, taking a 24-20 lead late in the game, only for the Vikings to retake the lead and force the Seahawks into a missed 60-yard field goal attempt by Jason Myers as time expired. Despite a strong performance from quarterback Geno Smith (314 yards, 3 touchdowns), Seattle’s offense couldn’t capitalize on crucial third-down opportunities, finishing a disappointing 2-of-10 on third-down conversions.
For the Seahawks to stay in the hunt for a wild-card spot, they will need to win out, including a must-win game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. Offensively, Seattle ranks 15th in scoring, with their passing offense ranking 4th in the NFL (averaging 273.4 yards per game) while their rushing attack is 23rd in the league. The team has struggled with penalties (29th in penalties per game) and turnovers (26th in turnover margin), both of which have stalled their playoff hopes.
Defensively, the Seahawks have been a mixed bag. While they rank 13th in scoring defense, they have shown vulnerability against the run (23rd in rush defense) and allowed over 360 yards per game in total offense to the Vikings. Seattle’s ability to limit mistakes and be opportunistic will be key to keeping their playoff chances alive, especially as they take on a Bears offense that has struggled all season.
Chicago Bears: Struggling Through a Lost Season
For the Chicago Bears, this season has long been about rebuilding and looking toward the future. At 4-11, the Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention, and their focus now shifts to finishing strong and evaluating their roster under interim head coach Thomas Brown. After firing head coach Matt Eberflus earlier this season, Chicago has gone 0-3 under Brown, including a 34-17 loss to the Detroit Lions at home in Week 16.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (26-of-40, 334 yards, 2 TDs) showed promise against the Lions, but the Bears’ defense was a major liability, allowing 475 yards of total offense. The team struggled with third-down defense, as Detroit converted 7-of-12 attempts, further illustrating Chicago’s defensive woes. Despite strong individual performances from players like TJ Edwards and Jonathan Owens, the Bears’ defensive unit ranks 14th in scoring defense but sits near the bottom in pass defense (23rd) and run defense (26th).
On offense, the Bears have been woefully inconsistent, ranking 26th in scoring. With veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen (9 catches, 141 yards, 1 TD) leading the charge, Chicago’s passing game showed flashes of life last week, but they remain 27th in passing offense and 25th in rushing offense. A major issue for the Bears has been their offensive line, which has allowed a league-high 31 sacks, contributing to their overall struggles on offense.
Conclusion
While the Seahawks have struggled with consistency over the past few weeks, they remain a much stronger and more talented team compared to the Bears, who have been plagued by issues on both sides of the ball. With Geno Smith leading a potent passing game and a defense that, despite its weaknesses, can still make plays, Seattle should have enough to secure a vital road victory.
Chicago’s struggles on both offense and defense make them a tough team to trust, especially against a motivated Seattle squad fighting for their playoff lives. Though Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense will likely put up a fight, their inability to contain the Seahawks’ passing attack and their struggles in pass protection will likely be their undoing.
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