This Black Friday, the Chicago Bears travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 at Lincoln Financial Field (3 p.m. ET).

Chicago (8-3) is riding a four-game win streak, while Philadelphia (also 8-3) is looking to rebound from a gut-wrenching Week 12 loss. This matchup presents a compelling clash of the Bears’ momentum and the Eagles’ roster depth under pressure.

Game Preview

Chicago’s surge behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a stingy rushing attack has them quietly moving toward NFC playoff contention. Their 8-3 mark puts them in first place in the NFC North, and their recent form (eight wins in nine) has raised eyebrows.

Philadelphia, the defending NFC champion, sits at 8-3 heading into this game. After jumping out to a 21-0 lead in Week 12, they let the Dallas Cowboys come back and lost 24-21, shining a spotlight on some cracks in their roster.

Odds have the Eagles favored by about seven points, with the over/under hovering at 44.5. Chicago leads the all-time series 29-17-1, but Philadelphia has won the last six meetings.

Key Matchups to Watch

  • Caleb Williams versus the veteran leadership of Philadelphia’s defense - can the Bears’ young QB perform on the prime-time stage?

  • Eagles’ pass rush and front seven against the Bears’ offensive line and run game - Chicago will want to control the tempo.

  • Secondary play on both sides: Chicago’s cornerbacks are thin; Philadelphia’s secondary is dealing with injuries (more below).

Injury & Practice Report

Here’s a snapshot of the major injury designations for both squads as of end of day, November 27, 2025.

Chicago Bears

Injury Report

  • Jaylon Johnson (CB) — Activated off IR; listed as questionable, but practiced fully.

  • Kyler Gordon (CB) — Also activated off IR; questionable status, but practiced fully.

  • Tyrique Stevenson (CB) — Ruled out — hip injury sustained in Week 12 prevented recovery in time.

  • T.J. Edwards (LB) — Out — dealing with hand/hamstring injury.

  • Noah Sewell (LB) — Out — managing an elbow injury.

  • Ruben Hyppolite II (LB) — Out — shoulder injury, unable to practice.

  • Dominique Robinson (DE) — Out — dealing with concussion, did not practice.

  • Luke Newman (G) — Questionable — foot issue; missed practice.

Philadelphia Eagles

Injury Report

  • Andrew Mukuba (S) - Out (fractured ankle, surgery)

  • Lane Johnson (RT) - Out (foot)

  • Xavier Gipson (WR) - Out (shoulder)

Previously Limited — but Cleared / Back:

  • DeVonta Smith (WR) — Earlier in week had shoulder/chest issues + illness and missed practices; he returned to full participation and is listed with no game-status restrictions.

  • Saquon Barkley (RB) — Groin was limited early in the week but returned to full participation.

  • Reed Blankenship (S) — Thigh issue earlier in the week; practiced fully by game-week and expected to play.

  • Landon Dickerson (OG) — Knee issue limited earlier, but he practiced fully by the final report.

  • Brandon Graham (DE) — Groin issue limited him mid-week, but he was upgraded to full participation by the final report.

Other Notes:

  • Veteran cornerback Adoree' Jackson had been evaluated for a concussion after the Week 12 game but cleared protocol and is expected to play.

  • Two offensive linemen on injured-reserve return windows — Willie Lampkin (OG) and Myles Hinton (OT) — remain on IR, not activated for this game.

Impact of Injuries

The injury lists here aren’t just names - they carry real strategic weight on both sides in this matchup.

For the Bears: The absence or limited availability of linebackers and nickel/slot defenders hampers their ability to defend the edge and cover passes effectively. With Sewell, Edwards and Hyppolite all dinged, Chicago’s run-defense and blitzing scheme may take a hit. The cornerback depth is already thin with Johnson and Gordon on IR; Stevenson’s questionable status further magnifies that weakness. Indeed, analysts note that Chicago’s pass defense - ranked 23rd in the league allowing ~231 yards per game - is vulnerable.

For the Eagles: The losses are tightly clustered in critical spots. Mukuba’s fractured ankle forces the secondary to re-shuffle, leaving them thinner in safety roles and potentially exposed versus the pass. The loss of Lane Johnson on the offensive line is equally significant - he’s a cornerstone of their run-blocking and pass-protection. With Johnson out, Chicago’s edge rushers will have a greater window to pressure QB Jalen Hurts and disrupt the Eagles’ offense. That ties into the recent commentary that despite Chicago’s pass-defensive woes, the Eagles may find bigger challenges than expected in this game.

Put together: Chicago’s defense has holes that Philadelphia will aim to exploit. But Philadelphia’s own injury concerns give the Bears a chance to get points on the board and slow the Eagles offense.

Want more expert injury insights?

Sign up for a free account and newsletter at Sports Injury Central

👉 Try our proven winning ratings, projections and picks cashing at 64% on 3-Star Spreads this season.

WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT 56.5% ON SPREADS OVER SIX YEARS!

SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!

SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!  

For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.

Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!