CHGO staff predictions: Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Four more weeks to go.

The Chicago Bears are back after their bye week and their welcome back test couldn’t be stiffer. The NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles are coming to town with a 12-1 record and bona fide Super Bowl dreams. Much has been written this week about the Eagles providing a great blueprint for the Bears and Ryan Poles will get a chance to see some of Ian Cunningham’s previous work up close.

Justin Fields is expected to start after a midweek illness and both Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon will return to the secondary after missing games due to concussion.

But beating the Eagles will be a tough test for the talent-deficient team.

Let’s get to our picks:

Will DeWitt (6-7) — Eagles 40, Bears 14

It’s going to be a long day at the lakefront come Sunday as the Eagles outmatch the Bears in every facet of this game. Their defense is tough as nails and makes life hell for quarterbacks. Philly’s offense scores points in bunches and they enter this game with the league’s best red-zone rushing attack – by a large margin. They’ll score … a lot. The Bears’ offensive line will need to have its best performance of the season in order to give Justin Fields a chance to keep this game close with his magic. This is a game where you just have to take a step back and watch it for what it is. Enjoy watching Fields go up against one of the best teams in the league and think about how the Bears can work towards being more like them next season.

Mark Carman (6-7) — Eagles 32, Bears 10

The Bears will score first on a Cairo Santos field goal. The game will be tied 10-10 in the second quarter after the Eagles score late. Slow start in the cold for the already clinched a playoff spot Eagles. Second half Eagles score on the first half with great ease and it is history from there.

Greg Braggs, Jr. (9-4) — Eagles 38, Bears 23

Watching the NFL last week showed me 2 things: 1) The Bears are really not that far off from competing for the playoffs with some of the middle-of-the-road teams in the NFC like the Lions. 2) The Bears are miles away from competing with Super Bowl contenders like the Eagles. They have what I want. Great offensive line, great weapons for Jalen Hurts and a solid defense. I hope Ryan Poles is taking notes on Sunday. Might take some time but that’s how you build a winner.

Adam Hoge (5-8) — Eagles 31, Bears 24

The bye week gives the defense a little extra juice to hold the potent Eagles offense at bay for a little bit, but Philadelphia will still turn it on late. Justin Fields should grow more in the passing game, but it’s unclear who exactly he’ll be throwing the ball to. Here’s a bold prediction though: Velus Jones Jr. scores on a deep ball. 

Nicholas Moreano (5-8) — Eagles 34, Bears 20

The Eagles are a legit Super Bowl contender. It would take a herculean performance out of Justin Fields to pull off this upset, but he still needs his playmakers to step up and his defense to make stops. I don’t see those things happening this Sunday.

Corey Wootton (7-6) – Eagles 45, Bears 28

Justin Fields flashes his potential both running and passing, but this dominant Eagles offense is too much for this decimated defense. I really want to see Alex Leatherwood out there this week to see if he can be a potential starter next year.

Carmen Vitali (7-6) — Eagles 34, Bears 17

While the Eagles have nothing left to prove, Jalen Hurts has everything to play for as the front runner of the MVP race. A dominating performance in a game they’re supposed to win would help solidify that. At least Bears fans may get a sneak peek at what Justin Fields and this Bears offense can turn into watching Hurts and Co.

Kevin Kaduk (7-6) — Eagles 38, Bears 17

The Bears might screw up their draft position by sneaking out a win against Detroit or Minnesota in the final two weeks, but I think we can rest easy against Philadelphia this week and Buffalo the next. If you’re headed out to Soldier Field, bundle up.

Jake Flannigan (7-6)  —  Eagles 30, Bears 17

The Eagles are where the Bears should be two years from now. As the final weeks of the season go on, I fear the losses may become even uglier. A top three draft pick, player progression and health have to be the only focus at this point.