Wins are essential for success, especially during the pressure-packed stretch of the NFL season. Frustrating starts, unexpected injuries, and roller-coaster performances are all part of the journey, but when November arrives, the best ability truly becomes availability. The Pittsburgh Steelers understand this better than most.
Their 6–4 record is solid, but leaves little breathing room, and every remaining game matters. That’s why All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers is pushing full steam ahead despite nursing a fractured left wrist.
Of course, he also gets to face the Chicago Bears—an opponent he has tormented for more than a decade. Rodgers embraces the role of arch-nemesis at Soldier Field. A win on Sunday wouldn’t just help the playoff push; it would bring him a touch of personal satisfaction. But this time, Pittsburgh doesn’t need him to play superhero.
They just need him to manage the storm and let Chicago’s injury report do the heavy lifting.
The Bears are limping into this matchup with a defensive disaster. Starting linebackers Tremaine Edmunds, Noah Sewell, and T.J. Edwards have all been ruled out. It’s rare—borderline unheard of—for an entire linebacking corps to miss a game, especially one with playoff implications for both sides.
For Pittsburgh, this is more than a lucky break. It’s a flashing neon sign pointing directly toward the run game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must abuse the Chicago Bears injury riddled defense
Chicago will almost certainly rely on nickel looks throughout the afternoon, leaning heavily on defensive backs to hold the fort. That’s bad news for quarterbacks who like to test tight windows, but great news for Pittsburgh’s trio of Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Kaleb Johnson.
The Steelers have struggled on the ground this year, ranking 29th in rushing yards per game (88.2). It’s a significant drop from last season’s respectable 121.9.
But Sunday offers the perfect chance for redemption.
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For once, the matchup tilts heavily in Pittsburgh’s favor. The Bears’ weakened second level opens the door for Arthur Smith to reestablish the bruising, rhythmic ground attack he envisioned from the start of the season. It’s the ideal moment for Jaylen Warren to finally eclipse the 100-yard mark—a milestone he’s flirted with but hasn’t reached yet.
Gainwell’s versatility should shine, and the rookie Kaleb Johnson could provide powerful change-of-pace carries.
This game doesn’t need to be about Rodgers throwing lasers through pain. It doesn’t need to be about him reenacting hero ball. Instead, it should be about Pittsburgh taking what Chicago is practically handing them: a chance to dominate on the ground, control the clock, and protect their quarterback from unnecessary risks.
A wounded Bears defense, a banged-up Rodgers, and a golden opportunity for the Steelers to find balance again—if that isn’t gift-wrapped, I don’t know what is.
If Pittsburgh takes advantage, Sunday could mark the return of their rising offensive identity and give them the momentum needed for a meaningful playoff push.