Chicago Bears vs Pittsburgh Steelers – Week 12 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (7-3) once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat last Sunday in Minnesota with Cairo Santos hitting a game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. As a result of the win, Ben Johnson’s team currently sits in first place by themselves in the NFC North as they welcome the Steelers to Soldier Field this Sunday.
Pittsburgh (6-4) is in first place in the AFC North but it’s been a very uneven season so far. They beat the very talented Patriots and Colts while also losing to the Bengals and barely getting by the lowly Jets. The big question for them this week is the status of former Chicago nemesis QB Aaron Rodgers, who is a game-time decision with a fracture in his non-throwing wrist.
Whether Rodgers or backup Mason Rudolph goes Sunday the Steelers offense has been middling at best In 2025 with a below average running and passing attack. They have been very efficient in the red zone however, and are averaging 24.6 points per game despite the lack of yardage.
Off-season addition WR D.K. Metcalf has been by far the most dangerous weapon for Mike Tomlin with five touchdowns and 300 more receiving yards than anyone else on the roster. The running game is one of the worst in the NFL with Jaylen Warren as the primary back. Tight end Pat Freiermuth is also dangerous and is a favorite target of Rodgers.
Pittsburgh’s defense was supposed to be their strong suit but it has not happened in 2025. They are giving up 368.1 yards a game which is fifth highest amount in the NFL. They have been more effective limiting touchdowns, allowing an average of 23.4 points per game, a figure that sits in the middle of the pack in the league.
Reigning defensive player of the year LB T.J. Watt leads a still ferocious pass rush that isn’t quite as dominant as it was in 2024. The Steelers have been very good at creating turnovers with 18 total and a turnover differential of +10. Those takeaways have been critical in boosting both the shaky offense and defense.
The Bears schedule gets significantly tougher from this point on with six of their final seven games against teams that currently have winning records. They need to significantly step up their level of play if they want to keep their run to the playoffs going down the stretch.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, November 23 at 12:00pm CT on CBS, 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.
- Keep Caleb Williams protected in the pocket. The Steelers can still wreck a game with their pass rush, so the Bears have to make sure that doesn’t happen.
- Win in the red zone on both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh has been good at limiting opponents touchdowns and getting into the endzone when they have a chance. Chicago has to make it a different story if they want to come out on top.
- Prevail in the turnover battle. Both of these squads are very good at getting takeaways and which ever side ends up with more will probably be in very good shape Sunday.
- Avoid a disaster in special teams. Trouble in the kicking game almost derailed the Bears against the Vikings last week. Tightening the special teams ship is very important against a decent opponent.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Bears are favored by 2.5 points at home against the Steelers this Sunday. Vegas expects an average scoring day with an over/under set at 45.5.
It’s Football Weather
The forecast Sunday at Soldier Field is 55 with sunny skies and an 8 mile an hour wind from the west.
My Prediction
It will be a close game no matter what quarterback goes for Pittsburgh. The Bears will get off to another slow start but battle their way back into the game. Unfortunately, Chicago’s luck will finally run out in the final two minutes with the Steelers kicking a field goal to win 27-24.
Official NFL Preview
Here is the official preview of the Steelers-Bears game from the NFL.
