It's been 30 years since the Pittsburgh Steelers went to take on the Chicago Bears in the windy city and escaped with a win. It's been a long time, and overall, this hasn't been a kind opponent for the Steelers to face. Throughout their storied histories, the Bears hold a commanding 19-8-1 lead in the series.
Mike Tomlin's club will hope to turn those misfortunes around this week.
A lot has changed since these two teams last met in 2021. Aaron Rodgers is now the quarterback of the Steelers, but his injury could limit him in certain ways. No matter if it's Rodgers or Mason Rudolph playing most of the snaps during the game, many predictors are swaying in Chicago's favor. They think the 7-3 Bears are capable of taking things to the next level.
Both teams might have playoff-worthy records heading into Week 12 of the season, but neither has been consistent. They could surprise you with a victory one week, and lay an egg the following game. Both offenses have struggled to overcome poor outcomes this season, while their defenses have been creating an abundance of turnovers. It could lead to a sloppy battle in Chicago on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 12 Still Curtain predictions provide a coin flip on the horizon
"This game is a legitimate coin flip for me. I feel like Chicago is hitting its stride. That said, if Mason starts over an injured Rodgers (my assumption this week), it could be enough new to give the offense a little boost. I'll tentatively give the Steelers the edge, but I don't have a good grasp on this game at all." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 31-30)
"Aaron Rodgers has been the kryptonite to the Chicago Bears over the years, but even if he suits up with his broken wrist, the nearly 42-year-old QB won't be the same player who once terrorized the NFC North. The Steelers are just 1-4 in Chicago under Mike Tomlin, and Bears first-year head coach Ben Johnson already looks like the real deal. With a lethal Chicago rushing attack, the Steelers won't be able to play their style of football in Week 12." - Tommy Jaggi (Bears 24-20)
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"The Chicago Bears might be 7-3, but take a look at where those seven wins came from, and that dominant-looking defense doesn't look so daunting. Sure, Pittsburgh's path to its record isn't much different, but if they can force Caleb Williams into mistakes and create some turnovers, it won't matter who is under center for the Steelers." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 27-23)
Final prediction goes with the Steelers in a razor thin outcome to break the curse in Chicago
Final Prediction: Steelers 23, Bears 20
It’s difficult to make a final pick for this game because both teams have shown weaknesses despite their strong records. They both lead their division heading into Week 12 of the schedule, but neither is seen as a long-term success story. There seems to be a curse in Chicago for the Steelers, but they have a solid shot at beating that in this game, no matter who the quarterback is.
You cannot deny the ability Tomlin possesses to create a tough environment for young quarterbacks.
Caleb Williams isn't a rookie, but he is only in his second year in the NFL. He hasn’t lived up to expectations for most of his professional career. His days in Chicago have been marked with disappointment, and Tomlin will do his best to force the young signal caller into turnover-worthy plays to help his defense.
Which defense forces more turnovers could be the deciding factor in this prediction. Both units create chaos and give their offenses prime scoring opportunities. That will be vital to help the Steelers' offense. Tomlin's defense has performed well against young quarterbacks like Williams in the past, and that should be the case in this game.
It won't be pretty, but it'll be enough.
This prediction favors the Steelers because Williams tends to hold onto the football too long, and Pittsburgh boasts one of the fastest pass rushes. That might be a recipe for disaster on Sunday for the Bears. It won't be easy, but the offense will do enough to get points when necessary. Expect a tough, messy battle between the Steelers and Bears, with the visiting team coming out on top.