Steelers Scouting Report: Chicago Bears, Week 12

Steel City Underground scouts the Pittsburgh Steelers’ opponents each week of the 2025 NFL regular season ahead of the games to preview the upcoming matchup with a focus on key players, potential outcomes, news, and the latest social media chatter.

The Chicago Bears have quietly emerged as a contender in the NFC North, entering Week 12 with a 7–3 record — their best start through 10 games since 2018. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have leaned into a bend-but-don’t-break identity, showing an uncanny ability to make big plays late and generate turnovers on defense.

The last time the Steelers and Bears met was on November 8, 2021, with the Steelers winning 29-27. The game took place at Heinz Field, which is now known as Acrisure Stadium. This weekend, the meeting will take place in Chicago. We scout the Bears ahead of the important matchup with the Steelers.

Bears offense: explosive yet inconsistent

After a rough start earlier in the season, Chicago has put together key wins over the Cowboys, Raiders, Commanders, Saints, Bengals and Giants. Their Week 11 victory at Minnesota came down to the wire, relying on a 56-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay and a 48-yard game-winning field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired. That comeback marked Chicago’s fifth fourth-quarter rally with Caleb Williams at quarterback of the season — the most by any QB in the NFL this year, and a franchise record for the Bears.

Williams continues to drive the offense as the team’s leading passer, with 2,329 yards through 10 games. The ground game, powered by D’Andre Swift, has been effective too, with Swift totaling 634 rushing yards to lead the backfield. Receiver Rome Odunze has emerged as a primary target, hauling in 600 receiving yards so far.

Still, consistency remains an issue. The Bears have often settled for field goals in the red zone — even when driving deep. ESPN noted after Week 11 that while Chicago reached the Vikings’ 40-yard line on six drives, they converted only a fraction into touchdowns.

Defense: Opportunistic and Disruptive

Chicago’s defense has been its calling card. The team leads the league, through ten games played, in opponent turnovers this season with 22 per StatMuse. The Bears’ turnover margin (+1.6 per game) is also tops in the NFL. Pittsburgh is second with 18.

Safety Kevin Byard has been a ball hawk with 5 interceptions, while linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has added 4 picks.

Pass rush has been a strength as well: Montez Sweat leads the team with 5.5 sacks, supported by strong production from Gervon Dexter Sr. and other defenders.

Chicago’s overall efficiency

Despite the success, the Bears’ overall efficiency tells a more cautious story. Pro-Football-Reference’s advanced metrics show Chicago’s Simple Rating System (SRS) is underwhelming, suggesting that their record may be somewhat deceptive.

Special teams also remain a concern, as late-game heroics have masked inconsistent play earlier in games.

Matchups to watch

Bears rushing attack vs. Steelers run defense

Swift is dealing with a hip injury that kept him limited in practice on Wednesday. Fellow rusher Travis Homer (hamstring, knee) was also limited. Swift has consistently appeared on the injury report throughout the 2025 season, yet he continues to play through his issues and rarely misses time. The Bears’ commitment to the run could test the Steelers’ ability to stop the ground game, especially if Chicago controls the clock.

The Steelers’ run defense has been tested this season and with Chicago ranked 2nd in the league (146.6 yards per game), Pittsburgh will be tasked with limiting big plays up front. Also, if the Steelers continue to struggle with missed tackles (as has been noted in past defensive performance), they could be particularly vulnerable to Chicago’s outside or power rushing looks.

Steelers QB situation vs Bears defense

Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a small fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist. The veteran, who has historically dominated against the Bears (especially in Chicago), has indicated that he may be ready to play come Sunday should he be given the go-ahead. Whether that happens or not remains an unknown.

If Mason Rudolph gets the start instead, ball security and tempo will play an important factor in the outcome of this game. Rudolph, who entered the Week 11 game and helped the Steelers defeat the Bengals, will need help from his teammates to keep the offense balanced and effective. He could also use strong play and turnover help from the Steelers defense to give him opportunities to keep the offense on the field.