Chicago Bears could catch big break in Week 9

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 3:35 PM ET

The Chicago Bears entered Week 8 on a four-game winning streak before playing the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, the Bears fell flat against Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley and the 1-5 Ravens.

More News: Bears sign Super Bowl champion before Bengals game

The 4-3 Bears will look to rebound on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. Frankly, it’s a game Chicago needs to win if they want to compete for a spot in the playoffs.

For the Bears to do so, the offense needs to become more efficient in the red zone and limit pre-snap penalties, issues that finally haunted the team in Week 8.

The defense is dealing with serious injuries. Fortunately, the Bears added C.J. Gardner-Johnson to help boost a secondary that lost Kyler Gordon to injured reserve.

Chicago Bears could face Jake Browning in Week 9

Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) takes to the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

More News: Bears QB Caleb Williams sounds off on red zone issues

As the Bears continue to prepare for the Bengals, some big injury news out of Cincinnati could also work in the defense’s favor. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder & his status is up in the air for Sunday vs the Bears.

The quarter was hurt in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets but did return to the game. He’s being considered day-to-day.

#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder & his status is up in the air for Sunday vs the #Bears, sources say.

Flacco left the loss to the #Jets, then came back late. Coach Zac Taylor called him day-to-day. Jake Browning is the backup. pic.twitter.com/ZxblNXiY5N

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2025

The Chicago Bears should have an advantage

Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Browning has played in four games this season, throwing for 757 yards, 6 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. The Bengals traded for Flacco a few weeks ago and he led them to a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before falling to the Jets.

The Bengals needed to trade for Flacco with starting quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined for months due to a toe injury.

The Bears shouldn’t have a problem dominating the Bengals if Browning gets the start. But as Huntley showed on Sunday, anything can happen on Sunday.

Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green (45) during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: