Windy City Gridiron
When the WCG team was asked to make our record predictions following the 2025 NFL schedule release, I wanted to take a cautious approach to the season, despite feeling optimistic about the coaching staff and the new additions to the roster. I’d simply been burnt by this team hanging the “offseason champs” banner too many times to let it get the best of me once again. My prediction was for a modest improvement to 7-10, and with six games left to be played in the regular season, I’ll start the Thanksgiving week festivities by saying I’m so thankful for the Chicago Bears to have already proven me wrong. As for week 12, specifically, the Bears entered the contest with the Pittsburgh Steelers notably down several defensive starters, while Pittsburgh was missing starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers (suspicious timing). It seemed like if there was going to be a game to lean on the offense, this would be it, and to varying levels of success, it paid off:
Caleb Williams again had an up-and-down game, with higher peaks and lower valleys against one of the tougher opponents he’s faced on the year. I’d argue that this game featured Caleb’s worst play of his young career, a T.J. Watt strip sack in the end zone that resulted in a Steelers touchdown. That was, however, Caleb’s only sack on the day while facing a pretty strong pass rush. In addition to avoiding sacks, Williams was also able to throw for three touchdowns on the day. Accuracy continues to be the primary concern in Williams play at this point of the season.
Caleb Williams
Comp: 2022 Jared Goff
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The running backs only carried the ball twenty times in this matchup as Ben Johnson appeared to prefer attacking the Pittsburgh defense through the air. What’s more interesting is that Kyle Monangai actually out-carried D’Andre Swift 12 to 8. The rookie was the more productive back, averaging 4.0 yards per carry to Swift’s 1.9. Monangai also added the Bears’ lone rushing score, his third game in a row finding the endzone.
D’Andre Swift
Comp: 2022 D’Andre Swift
Benchmark Statistics:
Kyle Monangai, DJ Moore, Roschon Johnson, etc.
Comp: 2024 David Montgomery
Benchmark Statistics:
Cole Kmet caught his only target for a short gain, but the more relevant story to come out of the TE room is the continued momentum of Colston Loveland. Loveland was targeted five times, catching four of those, including his third touchdown of the season. The emergence of Chicago’s 1st round pick is something that will pay off not only as the games mean more this season, but for years to come.
Cole Kmet
Comp: 2021 T.J. Hockenson
Benchmark Statistics:
Colston Loveland
Comp: 2023 Sam LaPorta
Benchmark Statistics:
Before I touch on the biggest bright spot shining from the WR group, let me share a quick overview on how the four players we’ve been following all performed. The...
