Seattle Seahawks: Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance
The Seattle Seahawks face a narrow path to the postseason, with their only route being an NFC West title. To achieve that, they must win out, starting with a critical Thursday night matchup against the Chicago Bears. Even with back-to-back victories over the Bears and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, Seattle could still miss the playoffs due to the strength-of-victory tiebreaker, which currently favors Los Angeles.
If Seattle (8-7) manages to finish 10-7 and leapfrog the Rams, the two teams would split their season series, match records (4-4) against common opponents, and tie in conference play. That leaves strength of victory—the fifth tiebreaker—as the deciding factor, where the Rams hold the edge.
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV remains optimistic:
“We just got to handle our part, which is win out. Then let the chips fall where they fall. Hopefully, we catch a little luck and get in.”
The Seahawks’ wild-card hopes took a hit in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to Minnesota. Seattle held a late 24-20 lead, but Sam Darnold’s 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson with under four minutes remaining sealed their fate. Jason Myers’ missed 60-yard field goal in the final minutes cemented the loss.
Quarterback Geno Smith knows the stakes:
“We got to win two, but it starts with one. Chicago might not have the best record, but they’ve got talent. It’s going to be a grind, especially on a short week traveling on Christmas.”
Chicago Bears: Spoilers with Promise
The Bears (4-11) may be out of playoff contention, but they’ve shown flashes of potential despite their nine-game losing streak. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues to impress, throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 34-17 loss to Detroit. His connection with fellow rookie and first-round pick Rome Odunze is a bright spot.
Odunze hauled in four receptions for 77 yards against Detroit, praising his chemistry with Williams: “From the moment you step on the field with a great player like him, you feel that confidence. But proving it on the field is what matters, and we’re working on that every week.”
Injuries could play a role in Thursday’s game. Chicago’s Travis Homer (hamstring), Teven Jenkins (calf), Elijah Hicks (ankle/foot), and Tarvarius Moore (knee) are all questionable. Seattle faces similar challenges, with Kenneth Walker III (ankle) and tight end Brady Russell (foot) sidelined during walkthroughs.
Betting Insights
The Seahawks are in must-win mode, but the Bears could be dangerous spoilers with a rookie QB looking to finish the season strong. Watch for injury updates and short-week travel effects as key variables. Expect a competitive, high-stakes matchup with postseason implications for Seattle.
