After losing their last nine games, the Bears haven’t won at Soldier Field or elsewhere since October, sliding them to the bottom of the NFC North. A losing streak this long doesn’t happen when a team has several major deficiencies, and Chicago has no shortage of them, including an offensive line that has led to rookie Caleb Williams being sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL, and a defense that which has led to him struggling against the run, allowing at least 100 rushing yards and nearly five yards per carry in nine straight games.

These deficiencies should give the Seahawks an advantage, as their own struggling offensive line may actually have a chance to play off the ball a bit against a defensive line lacking game-changing players other than Montez Sweat. Meanwhile, pass rushers Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall should be ready for a post-Christmas celebration with Larry Borom entering the lineup in place of injured starting left tackle Braxton Jones.

Still, the Bears are a competitive 4-11 squad and have plenty of talent at the skill positions on both sides of the ball, starting with the receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. If Williams has time to throw and can act off-target like he does at his best, these wideouts could do significant damage. Jaylon Johnson leads an underrated secondary that can also hold up pretty well against DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett, which could make throwing the ball a little more difficult for the Seahawks than expected.

Playing at Soldier Field in late December isn’t an ideal situation for Seattle, and Chicago has nothing to lose since it’s already eliminated from the playoffs, so this won’t be a walk in the park. But with their own playoff hopes fading, the Seahawks have no excuse for this to be a trap game, and as long as they play without too many self-inflicted wounds within themselves, they have the more talented all-around roster to get through whatever is likely to be a lower scoring affair. -Corbin K Smith

Corbin’s pick-to-click: Boye Mafe

After a breakthrough second season, Mafe’s performance was a little more inconsistent in his first year playing in Mike Macdonald’s defense. But according to Pro Football Focus, he’s still among the top 35 edge rushers in receiving pressure, and after registering his sixth sack last weekend, he should be tested and have a chance to face Borom , who has played six snaps on just 157 pass block reps in five games this season.

Borom is ponderous at 6-5, 333 pounds and doesn’t have the ideal foot quickness and lateral movement skills to play left tackle in the league. These athletic limitations will be problematic against a rusher like Mafe, who excels as a speed rusher and turns corners in a hurry, putting this matchup in his favor when going after Williams.

Corbin’s score prediction: Seahawks 20, Bears 15

If there’s one environment where the Seahawks have been consistent this season, it’s on the road. Seattle is 5-1 in away games and just 3-6 in home games. Luckily, after two straight losses at Lumen Field, the Seahawks can change their routine and head about 2,000 miles east to Chicago.

On paper, Seattle’s resume and roster give the Bears an advantage this season. But that’s what makes Chicago’s threat as a spoilsport so much greater. The Bears’ defense is allowing the seventh-most yards per game this season, although they have been good at situational football. Still, Chicago has given up at least 30 points in three straight games since firing head coach Matt Eberflus. During that same period, the Bears scored just 14 points per game. This is a team that was supposed to be reasonably competitive this season, but the ensuing collapse and coaching firings ended any chance of recovery.

The talent is still there and Chicago’s offense has explosive capabilities. Seattle’s defense is solid but has started slow lately. The Seahawks have allowed opening touchdowns in three straight games, forcing them to play from behind. That worked against the Cardinals, but not against the Green Bay Packers or Minnesota Vikings.

On offense, Seattle has also refused to establish a consistent running game, attempting just 14 running plays in each of the last two games. The Seahawks are 6-1 this season when they attempt at least 20 run plays and 3-6 when they run the ball less. The defense needs to start fast and the offense needs to stay consistent on the ground. -Connor Benintendi

Connor’s Pick to Click: DL Leonard Williams

After putting together one of the best two-game stretches ever by a 300-pound NFL player in Weeks 12-13, Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams has cooled off a bit. His impact on the field was equally impressive, but the box score didn’t quite do justice to his name.

Against the Bears, however, Williams will have an opportunity to feast on a broken Chicago offensive line that has been lacking in interior defense all season – even if it is healthier than it is now. When Williams gets going early, we’ve seen his ability to take over a game.

Connor’s score prediction: Seahawks 26, Bears 14

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