The Chicago Bears are preparing for a challenging matchup on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks, a game that promises to be a physical battle between two teams led by young, hard-working coaches. Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor and Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, both in their late 30s to early 40s, have brought tough, disciplined approaches to their teams. Macdonald’s defensive unit has been among the league’s best since 2024, while Bears coach Ben Johnson’s offensive line ranks as one of the NFL’s top units, setting the stage for a contest likely decided in the trenches.
Seattle’s defense ranks fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.9 points per game, and they lead the NFL in fewest passing yards allowed with 144.4 per game. They are also second in third-down defense, permitting conversions only 28% of the time. The Seahawks also boast a strong run defense and a secondary tied for the league lead in interceptions. Bears offensive line coach Dan Roushar emphasized the importance of communication and fundamentals, particularly against the Seahawks’ relentless defensive front.
A major storyline for Chicago will be the debut of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, acquired in a trade from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two future first-round draft picks. Simmons, an All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, is expected to bring a significant boost to the Bears' defensive line. Although he is still acclimating to the new playbook, Simmons indicated he is prepared to contribute immediately, marking his first prime-time appearance as a Bear. He will also face off against Seahawks guard Quenton Nelson, a player he has competed against frequently during their time in the AFC South.
The Bears are also adjusting to the loss of tight end Cole Kmet, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. Kmet had played 62% of offensive snaps and was a key figure for the Chicago offense. Second-year tight end Colston Loveland is expected to increase his role, along with rookie Sam Roush, who has seen limited action but may now be called upon to take on more responsibility. The team will also likely activate a third tight end from the practice squad to fill the gap.
Seattle will rely heavily on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL with 867 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this season. Smith-Njigba has been targeted on more than a third of Seattle’s passing plays and poses a significant challenge for the Bears’ secondary. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen acknowledged the difficulty in containing him, noting that success will depend on limiting the Seahawks’ running game and forcing them into a one-dimensional attack.
Injury-wise, the Bears have ruled out running back Kyle Monangai due to ongoing toe and thumb issues. D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson are expected to carry the rushing workload. Loveland returned to full practice after a minor neck issue, while linebacker D’Marco Jackson and cornerback Malik Muhammad II are questionable with ankle and toe injuries, respectively. On the Seattle side, running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet could return from injuries, improving the team’s depth. However, several key players, including left tackle Charles Cross and receiver Rashid Shaheed, are inactive, and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu is listed as doubtful.
With both teams featuring strong units on offense and defense, experts view this game as a critical test for Chicago. While the Seahawks boast a historically stingy defense and a potent passing attack, the Bears look to leverage their reinforced defensive front and an elite offensive line to compete in what is expected to be a closely fought contest.