Chicago Bears vs Cleveland Browns – Week 15 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (9-4) fell just short against the Packers last Sunday in a battle for first place in the NFC North at Lambeau Field. They have a rematch against Green Bay at Soldier Field looming next week, but first, they host a struggling Browns squad this Sunday.
It’s been a rough year for Cleveland (3-10) who have just three victories so far in 2025. They are now on their third starting quarterback, giving a look to Shedeur Sanders as they play out the string on the season. The offense has not been good, averaging just 17.2 points per game which is fourth worst in the NFL.
Running back Quinshon Judkins has had a good rookie season with 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Another rookie, Harold Fannin Jr., is the Browns leading receiver at the tight end position. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is a big play threat despite a disappointing performance this year.
Cleveland’s defense is definitely more impressive than the struggling offense, allowing the second fewest yards per game of any team in football. In fact, they have the best pass defense in the entire league allowing just 165.2 yards a game through the air.
Despite those excellent numbers, the Browns are allowing 23.2 points per game due to the completely inept offense repeatedly putting them in difficult positions. If they fall behind they have a very difficult time mounting any kind of comeback.
Even though they have played so badly, Cleveland can’t be taken lightly as evidenced by their upset victory over the Packers early in the season. The Bears cannot afford to lose this game because it would do tremendous damage to their playoff chances. If they focus and take care of business they will be able to focus on another showdown with their rivals to the north.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, December 14 at 12:00pm CT on FOX, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Sunday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Stay committed to the running game. Cleveland is more vulnerable against the run than the pass so the Bears need to continue to keep the ball on the ground. They have been very good at it in recent weeks.
- Take advantage of a young inexperienced quarterback. Sanders is making just his third start as a pro and has been turnover prone in those games. Chicago has been good at taking the ball away all season long and they need to do it again.
- Win the first half. If the Bears can build an early lead it will be very hard for the Browns to get back in the game. Getting the home crowd into the game on what is expected to be a very cold day will also be a big benefit.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Bears are favored by 7.5 points at home against Cleveland Sunday afternoon. Vegas expects a low-scoring affair with the over/under set at 38.5.
It’s Football Weather
The high temperature for the game Sunday at Soldier Field is going to be just 13 degrees with 15 mile an hour wind out of the northwest.
My Prediction
The Bears will start out a bit slow but they will get things going as the game progresses. The running game will have a big afternoon and Chicago will win by a score of 24-10.
Official NFL Preview
Here is the official preview of the Browns-Bears game from the NFL.
