The Seahawks vs. Bears game on Thursday night is a must-win for the Seahawks if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Seattle Seahawks step into the Thursday night spotlight, facing the Chicago Bears in a game heavy with implications and emotion. For the Bears, the postseason dream has already slipped away, but pride and the chance to play spoiler remain. Their home crowd at Soldier Field will be electric, hoping to see Chicago derail Seattle’s fragile playoff hopes.
For the Seahawks, this is a moment of urgency. At 8-7, their playoff chances dangle by a thread. A loss tonight could seal their fate, ending postseason aspirations and leaving only questions about missed opportunities. A win, however, keeps them in the hunt, especially with the critical Week 18 clash against the Los Angeles Rams looming.
The stakes are clear. The stage is set. It’s do-or-die time for Seattle.
Also, check out all of our NFL previews and picks!
Seahawks vs. Bears Betting Preview
All Seahawks vs. Bears odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Thursday, Dec. 26.
- Spread: Seahawks -4
- Moneyline: Seahawks -205 | Bears +180
- Over/Under: 42.5
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field | Chicago, IL
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 43 degrees, Cloudy, 8 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Seahawks vs. Bears Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
Yesterday, we saw two public-backed road favorites go into hostile territories and not only win but also cover the spread easily. This has been one of the most publicly successful NFL seasons for favorites and majority-backed teams in the history of the NFL. Can we see three publicly backed road favorites cover in primetime games in less than 24-hours? It seems highly possible.
Since parting ways with Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears have struggled mightily on offense, averaging just 14 points per game. Despite flashes of improvement, they face a Seattle Seahawks team still clinging to postseason hopes in the NFC West. Seattle’s own struggles are undeniable, especially on the ground. Over the past five games, the Seahawks have eclipsed 100 rushing yards just once, with Kenneth Walker III limited to eight carries for 31 yards in Week 16. Tonight, on the road, Walker’s performance—pending his ankle’s health—could be pivotal.
The Seahawks are talented but far from consistent. Losses to inferior Chicago teams in recent matchups linger as cautionary tales. Yet desperation and roster depth lean heavily in Seattle’s favor. A clean game from Geno Smith is vital, but perhaps more critical is the defense’s ability to disrupt rookie Caleb Williams.
Williams, despite relentless criticism, has shown resilience in a tumultuous debut season. His 3,271 passing yards rank sixth in Bears history, with a projection of 3,700-plus yards by season’s end. That’s remarkable, given his transition midseason to a new offensive coordinator and head coach while enduring a league-high 60 sacks.
These are two teams defined by inconsistency, but the stakes for Seattle are higher. A playoff berth hangs in the balance, and after a tough loss to Minnesota, expect the Seahawks to be motivated and sharp, even if the game promises to be anything but pretty. Tonight, Seattle has everything to prove.
Jaxson Smith-Njigba – WR, Seahawks – Anytime TD Scorer (+195)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s sophomore leap has been one of the most compelling stories in football this season. After a modest rookie campaign with 628 yards on 63 catches, expectations lingered, but questions remained. This year, he’s answered them all, transforming into one of the league’s top receivers. Smith-Njigba now ranks among the top 10 in receptions, yards, and targets, cementing his status as a rising star. His 24% target share leads Seattle’s receiving corps, building a connection with quarterback Geno Smith that has elevated both their games.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s breakout into a legit elite WR1 has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of this NFL season. pic.twitter.com/lCaUer1NXB
— Mike Kennedy (@MikeKennedyNFL) December 22, 2024
As Thursday Night Football looms, the Seahawks’ offensive outlook could hinge even more on Smith-Njigba. With Kenneth Walker III potentially sidelined in the run game, the Seahawks may lean on the reliable hands and precise routes of their standout wide receiver. Even with the dependable Zach Charbonnet ready to shoulder rushing duties, Geno Smith’s trust in Smith-Njigba could be the X-factor.
From quiet beginnings to top-tier status, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s emergence has brought new energy to Seattle’s offense. As they fight for a playoff berth, his ability to make plays under the lights could be the key to keeping the Seahawks’ postseason dreams alive. Tonight, all eyes will be on No. 11.
DK Metcalf – WR, Seahawks – Longest Reception Over 23.5 Yards (-120)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf offer a compelling combination for Thursday night, with one player thriving in precision and the other in explosiveness. Yes, the call is for JSN to find the end zone. As Geno Smith’s favorite target in the second half of the season, Smith-Njigba has excelled as a reliable slot receiver. But in football, precision often creates opportunities for the spectacular.
Enter DK Metcalf, a wideout built for the big play. Metcalf has recorded a reception of 25+ yards this season in nine of 13 games. Against a Bears defense that has been sturdy but susceptible to deep shots—allowing 53 receptions of 20+ yards, ranking 28th in the league—Metcalf’s explosiveness looms large. His physicality and speed are tailor-made to exploit this weakness.
There's no defense for DK Metcalf 😤
📺 Bears vs. Seahawks tonight on NFL Game Pass on DAZN pic.twitter.com/UaCxjph0Tr
— NFL on DAZN (@NFLonDAZN) December 26, 2024
Metcalf is no stranger to volume either, with at least six targets in 10 games this season. As Smith-Njigba’s consistent production opens up the field, Metcalf has the ability to take advantage with a momentum-shifting play.
The stage is set for both receivers to shine in their own ways. A touchdown from JSN and a game-breaking gain from Metcalf could be the sparks that ignite Seattle’s offensive rhythm. Tonight, both will be ready to rise.
Best Bets:
- Seahawks -4
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba Anytime TD Scorer (+195)
- DK Metcalf Longest Reception OVER 23.5 Yards (-120)
