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.
Caleb Williams’ Rushing Touchdown
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.
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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
Bears Allow 2 Sacks or Fewer
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.
Cairo Santos Nails a 55+ Yard Field Goal
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.
Score Prediction
Seahawks 27 Bears 24
Dave, not sure what you were on when you made these predictions, but could you please let me know what it is, and where I can get some? Seriously, two sacks or fewer? Hope you’re right, but I’d put that under 10%. The only way Santos kicks a 55+ yard FG is if there is a stiff and steady tailwind. Soldier field is hard enough to kick in when it’s cold and gusty, why would they push his range there? The time to try that is in a big old warm dome, not in frigid Chicago or GB next week.… Read more »
The Santos kick will never materialize. Everybody knows that Santos uses a lower trajectory to kick when kicking longer FGs, which are prone to getting blocked. I think the Bears are aware of this as well now, too. Kick wont be attempted
Has anyone been watching the games since Thanksgiving? What is the point?
Happy Holidays folks! Cheers to a new Coaching Staff and more offseason optimism.
And Barry, you realize there are many different formal conceptions of freedom over time, space, and ideation. The Who, “See Me, Feel Me” or “Moody Blues, “Lost in a Lost World” are a couple of informal examples.