The Pittsburgh Steelers are slight underdogs ahead of their Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The consensus line is Bears -2, per VSiN.
Chicago has been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises this season, sitting at 7-3 under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears are coming off a 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings on the road, and they’ve benefitted from a strong rushing attack between De’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Their defense was an issue earlier this season, but they allowed 20 points to the New York Giants in Week 10 before allowing 17 to the Vikings, and it’s a unit that could be turning things around.
The line on this game has a lot of potential to move during the week. Depending on Aaron Rodgers’ prognosis, the line could move more in favor of Chicago. Rodgers left the Steelers’ 32-14 Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a left wrist injury and didn’t play in the second half, as Mason Rudolph replaced him. If Rodgers can’t play next week, then the line will likely shift with Rudolph as the Steelers’ starter.
The Bears have won three in a row and seven of their last eight after beginning the season 0-2. They’re 3-1 at Soldier Field this year, and they’ll look to stay hot against the Steelers.
Sunday will be Pittsburgh’s first look at 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams. Williams has shown off some of the mobility and athleticism that made him such a highly regarded prospect, and the Steelers are going to need a good pass-rush plan. Chicago’s offensive line has given up just 16 sacks this season, and getting pressure could be the key to the game for the Steelers.
The Bears have gotten positive contributions from LB Tremaine Edmunds this season as well as S Kevin Byard, who snagged his fifth interception of the season today. It’s going to be a challenge for the Steelers with or without Rodgers, and the Steelers also saw RB Jaylen Warren leave with an ankle injury on Sunday.
The Steelers could get some help if OLB Alex Highsmith returns, but Rodgers’ status going into the game will be a big question. He’s got a lot of history with the Bears from his time with the Green Bay Packers, and if he can physically play, he’s going to want to make Bears fans miserable yet again.
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