Bears vs. Browns Predictions: Can QB Shedeur Sanders do enough to trap Dennis Allen’s defense?

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Sandwiched between two pivotal games against the Green Bay Packers, the Bears can’t afford to look ahead.

“The only focus we’re on right now is Cleveland,” defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Thursday. “That’s the only game we have any control over. So our sole focus is on these guys. And it’s a laser focus this week.”

It’s a matter of the job not being finished.

“We will be a playoff team once we earn enough wins to become a playoff team,” coach Ben Johnson said after Sunday’s loss to the Packers. “Right now we are a nine-win team and I don’t think nine wins is going to get you in this year so we have to do what we can to get enough wins to find a way to get into the tournament.”

When it’s a matter of playoff life and death, trap games don’t exist. A critical game and a chance for revenge against the Packers in one week will have to wait; it’s full-steam ahead on quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the scrappy Cleveland Browns.

“I don’t really believe in trap games in the league,” safety Kevin Byard III said Wednesday. “I think every single week you have to bring your best ball regardless of records. This is the National Football League, and every team and everybody is playing for something regardless of what their record is. I remember us last year not having a great record, but every single week we went out there, we played for the name on the front of the jersey, the name on the back of the jersey, playing for pride. We cannot take this team lightly at all.”

Against the Tennessee Titans last week, Sanders picked up 364 yards and three touchdowns through the air in a losing effort. But in just three NFL starts, Sanders is turning heads.

“I see a guy that plays with a little bit of a swagger,” Allen said. “He’s got a little moxie to him. I think he brings a little bit of excitement to that football team. I think what you’ve seen is each week he’s gotten a little bit better. In some tough conditions last week, I thought he played really well.”

But he’s still an inexperienced NFL quarterback.

“Think he does a good job,” Allen said. “Obviously, you still see some signs of a rookie quarterback. But in terms of being a rookie and composure in the pocket. I think you have one pass to Fannin down the defensive left side line, where he stood in the pocket, took a shot in the pocket, yet presented a really good ball for the receiver to catch.”

That brings us to our Week 15 predictions …

Adam Hoge

2025 record: 10-3

While I understand the fears of this being a “trap” game, I look at it as more of a perfect bounce-back opportunity against a young team that is banged up. The Bears should be able to sit back in more zone looks to confuse Shedeur Sanders and eventually get him to turn the ball over.

And while the Browns make it hard to go the full length of the field on them, they will give up points off turnovers. I expect the defense and special teams to do enough to set Ben Johnson’s offense up to run the ball to victory.

Bears 27, Browns 13

[READ | Insider Analysis: Why the Bears’ defense might be the team’s fatal flaw]

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Adam Jahns

2025 record: 9-4

This game is going to be played in a freezer – and it will affect the game. The Bears, though, should be able to lean on running backs Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift and their offensive line. The Browns rank 13th in run defense this season. But last week, Titans running back Tony Pollard ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns against them. It came after the Browns lost defensive tackle Maliek Collins to a season-ending injury a week earlier against the 49ers. A strong run game will limit Myles Garrett’s game-wrecking opportunities.

Bears 22, Browns 16

[READ | Caleb Williams searching for fast start, while Bears offense plans for Myles Garrett]

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Mark Carman

2025 record: 9-4

I’ll admit to being slightly worried that Shedeur Sanders will be able to take advantage of a Bears pass rush that doesn’t get to the quarterback. But not that much. The Bears are the better, healthier team with everything to play for.  I do think it will be close because of the Browns’ D.

Bears 20, Browns 19

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Greg Braggs Jr.

2025 record: 9-4

Must win. ‘Nuff said.

Bears 24, Browns 13

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Corey Wootton

2025 record: 8-5

TBD

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Jerry Azumah

2025 record: 8-5

TBD

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Patrick Norton

2025 record: 7-6

Starting fast.

It’s something that’s escaped the Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams in recent weeks. Against the Packers, Williams began the game 0-for-5 passing on consecutive three-and-outs.

It won’t be much easier to get rolling in the bitter cold against the Cleveland Browns and defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett is only 3.0 sacks from breaking the single-season record (22.5) shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.

Williams said on Wednesday that it’s a goal of the offense to make sure that doesn’t happen on Sunday at Soldier Field. Part of that is getting Williams going with short, quick passes before ramping up to the deeper shots.

Williams loves to look for the explosives, and it’s working for the Bears at times and in the win column, but getting back to the basics this weekend is key for the Bears, not only against the Browns, but in preparation for the Packers coming to town next Saturday.

This is a get-right opportunity in every sense for the Bears. They’ll get it done on the frigid lakefront.

Bears 34, Browns 19

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Lance Briggs

2025 record: 7-6

TBD

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Stephen Nicholas

2025 record: 5-8

TBD