Eagles-Bears Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 13?
The Philadelphia Eagles crashed back down to earth in an embarrassing collapse against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Now it’s time to turn things around quickly as they’ll host the surprisingly hot Chicago Bears on Black Friday.
The Bears have won eight of their last nine games and will visit the City of Brotherly Love to try and get ahead in the race for the second overall seed in the NFC. Yet the Eagles are ready to prove that last week’s loss was a fluke and that they are still among the NFL’s elite teams.
Here’s my full game preview for a pivotal NFC matchup in Week 13.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can the Eagles Finally Get the Ground Game Going?
It’s no secret that the Eagles have struggled to run the ball in 2025. After Saquon Barkley had a historic performance in his first season in Philadelphia, Barkley is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry in year two. Yet Chicago’s banged up defense could provide the Eagles with the “get right” game that they need.
The Bears could be without their top three linebackers against the Eagles, which would weaken an already poor run defense. Chicago is allowing 138.1 rushing yards per game, fifth-most in the NFL. While the Eagles are averaging just 110.5 rushing yards per game, 21st in the NFL.
It’s also worth noting that the Bears have allowed a few notable rushing performances against mobile quarterbacks this season. New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had six carries for 66 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Bears in Week 10.
Many (including myself) have suggested that the Eagles need to utilize Jalen Hurts more as a runner. Friday’s matchup could be the perfect time to do so and give this struggling running game the spark that it desperately needs.
How Will Philadelphia Slow Down Chicago’s Rushing Attack?
While the Eagles are hoping to get their running game going against the Bears, Chicago’s offense hasn’t had that problem this season. The Bears average 142.3 rushing yards per game, which is the second-most in the NFL behind the Buffalo Bills.
If Philadelphia wants to get back in the win column on Black Friday, they’ll have to be able to slow down Chicago‘s rushing attack. The Bears rely on their running back duo of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Yet the Eagles can’t forget about Caleb Williams either.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio talked about Williams and his ability as a scrambler. We have seen the Eagles struggle against a player like Dart this season and now Williams will put their pass rush discipline to the test. If the Eagles can limit the Bears on the ground, that could force Williams into making a few mistakes through the air.
Can Philadelphia’s Offense Finally Play a Clean Game?
The Eagles are the best team in the NFL at protecting the football in 2025. Philadelphia’s offense has just six giveaways the season, the lowest total in the league. Yet the Eagles continue to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties and poor discipline.
Meanwhile, the Bears are the best team in the NFL at taking the football away. Chicago’s defense has forced 24 turnovers this season, four more than any other team in the league. The Bears rely on taking the football away because otherwise, their defense struggles to get stops.
If the Eagles can continue to protect the football at an elite level and avoid costly penalties, they should have a big day against the Bears. But if Chicago’s defense can force Philadelphia into a few uncharacteristic turnovers, watch out.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Britain Covey
The last time we saw Britain Covey on the field for the Eagles was nearly one year ago. Now it looks like Covey will make his return in Philadelphia, as he was recently promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
After Eagles punt returner Xavier Gipson made a costly mistake against the Cowboys, Philadelphia is turning to Covey as their full-time punt returner. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see Covey involved as a wide receiver as well.
Covey was targeted at least once in three of the five games that he played in last season. Hurts seems to trust Covey as a target and he could offer a different look out of the slot in Philadelphia’s offense at times.
Nahshon Wright
After struggling to find a role with the Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings to start his career in the NFL, Nahshon Wright is excelling in his first season with the Bears. The former third-round pick has started a career-high 10 games in Chicago this season and is certainly making the most of his opportunity.
Wright has recorded five interceptions this season, including four interceptions in his last six games. At 6’4” and nearly 200 lbs., Wright has the size at cornerback to defend anyone. Despite the likely return of Jaylon Johnson, Wright is a player to watch in Week 13.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Sydney Brown vs. Ben Johnson
In last week’s game preview, I mentioned how Philadelphia’s defense has struggled to defend play action passes, especially downfield. The Cowboys continued to expose that weakness in Week 12 and I expect the Bears to do the same on Black Friday.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson loves to utilize under-center play action passes to take advantage of aggressive linebackers and safeties. Unfortunately for the Eagles, rookie safety Andrew Mukuba suffered an ankle injury and will be replaced by Sydney Brown moving forward.
Brown is known for his aggressive nature and Johnson will certainly look to take advantage of him in coverage. I’d expect Fangio to have a plan in place to minimize those opportunities, including possibly utilizing Cooper DeJean at safety in base defense with Adoree’ Jackson remaining at outside cornerback.
Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Bears
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Final Score Predictions
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 31, Bears 20
The Eagles always seem to respond when their backs are against the wall — and that’s exactly what they’ll do against the Bears on Black Friday. Philadelphia’s offense will finally show up for more than one quarter and win a surprisingly high scoring game against Chicago in Week 13.
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 24, Bears 20
It’s getting late early in Philadelphia as the concerns about the team’s struggling offense are only getting louder. Yet Chicago’s defense could provide the Eagles with the “get right” opponent that they desperately need. The Eagles will do just enough to win and lower the panic level in the City of Brotherly Love.